Manitoba’s inaugural supervised consumption site in Winnipeg is now operational five days a week at 366 Henry Ave. in downtown Winnipeg, following significant delays. The opening occurred on Tuesday at 11 a.m., marking a milestone after setbacks hampered the province’s plans to establish a facility where drug users could consume under monitored conditions last year.
The supervised consumption site, which does not provide drugs, aims to mitigate the risk of fatal overdoses and other associated harms while facilitating access to necessary resources for individuals. Bernadette Smith, the Addictions Minister, expressed emotional sentiments about the community finally gaining the support and services they deserve through this initiative.
Originally slated for a 2025 launch, the NDP had proposed the site’s establishment on the Disraeli Freeway, but the location was abandoned in September due to strong opposition from local residents. Subsequently, the new site at an industrially owned building west of Main Street faced protests from neighbors and Progressive Conservatives, who voiced concerns about safety in the area.
Despite criticisms, the Aboriginal Health & Wellness Centre, in collaboration with the province and other frontline organizations, is running the site and has urged skeptics to give it a chance. The center emphasizes harm reduction and plans to incorporate Indigenous-led practices to foster trust among users, particularly in a city where Indigenous individuals are disproportionately impacted by substance use.
With physician oversight and round-the-clock security, the site accommodates up to 12 clients at a time. Clients undergo an initial assessment, including drug usage evaluations, and are monitored by staff during their stay. The presence of foot patrols from the Downtown Community Safety Partnership aims to prevent congregation around the site and enhance public safety.
The temporary site’s future includes the establishment of a rapid access addiction medicine clinic and primary health-care services. Premier Wab Kinew had anticipated the site’s operation in March after the 2025 timeline was abandoned, but this plan was also revised. The site underwent a gradual opening in July to facilitate staff training before its full launch on August 11.
Local authorities, including Mayor Scott Gillingham and Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara, view the site as a means to address drug-related issues in the city while providing essential care to vulnerable populations. The site’s success will be gauged based on community trust and the number of individuals receiving support services.
Overall, the opening of Manitoba’s first supervised consumption site in Winnipeg signifies a significant step towards addressing substance use issues in the community while prioritizing harm reduction and access to crucial resources.