The Manitoba government is changing the planned location of its first supervised consumption site after receiving strong opposition from local residents. The site is being developed in partnership with the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre. The original location was at 200 Disraeli Freeway, in the core area of Winnipeg. Residents quickly expressed concern about the site being too close to schools, a child-care centre, and nearby homes. Due to these objections, the province has decided to look for a new location for the supervised consumption centre.

Residents Express Concern Over Location

Local residents raised objections soon after the initial plan was announced. Many people said that having a supervised consumption site so close to schools and child-care centres was unsafe. Residents also worried about the proximity to homes in the area. They argued that the site could increase risks to children and families living nearby. These concerns were taken seriously by the Manitoba government, which prompted a review of the location and a decision to find an alternative site.

Premier Announces New Location Plan

Premier Wab Kinew addressed the issue on Wednesday, saying that the government will propose a new address for the supervised consumption site. He explained that the province will consider a 250-metre radius around potential locations to ensure there are no schools or child-care centres nearby. This step is meant to make the site safer for the community while still providing needed services to people who use drugs. Kinew emphasized that public input will be part of the process for selecting the new site.

Purpose of the Supervised Consumption Site

The supervised consumption site is designed to provide a safe space where people can use drugs under professional supervision. Staff at the site will be able to respond to overdoses immediately and offer guidance toward treatment options. The site will not provide drugs but will give people a controlled and monitored environment for their safety. This approach is intended to reduce overdose deaths and connect individuals to health and social services that can help them improve their lives.

Timeline for Opening the Site

The Manitoba government had originally planned to open the site at 200 Disraeli Freeway this year. However, the timeline has now changed due to the location concerns and the need for additional public consultation. The government expects that the supervised consumption site will open at a new location before the next provincial election, scheduled for October 2027. This extended timeline allows the government to address community concerns and ensure the site is placed in a suitable and safe area.

Services at the Original Location

Although the supervised consumption component will be moved, the site at 200 Disraeli Freeway will still provide other health and social services. Premier Kinew said that the existing site can continue to support the community in other ways. Moving the supervised consumption site to a new location will allow the province to offer comprehensive services while responding to public safety and community concerns. The goal is to balance support for people who use drugs with the safety and well-being of the surrounding neighbourhood.

Government’s Overdose Prevention Efforts

Premier Kinew highlighted the urgency of tackling overdoses in Manitoba. He said that too many Manitobans are dying from drug overdoses and that a supervised consumption site is one tool to help improve the situation. The government views such sites as an important part of a broader strategy to reduce harm, prevent deaths, and guide people toward treatment and recovery. By relocating the site and involving the public, the province aims to make overdose prevention measures more acceptable and effective for the community.

Opposition Party’s Response

The Progressive Conservative opposition raised questions about the move. They noted that the original location at 200 Disraeli Freeway was still listed as an open application on Health Canada’s website. Progressive Conservative Leader Obby Khan demanded clarity from Premier Kinew, asking where the new supervised consumption site would be opened. The opposition’s concerns highlight the need for transparency and timely communication with the public as the government implements its plans.

Public Consultation and Community Input

Public consultation will play a key role in selecting the new location for the supervised consumption site. The government plans to involve community members, local organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure that the site is placed in a safe and suitable area. By seeking input from residents, the province hopes to address concerns about safety, access to services, and the impact on surrounding neighborhoods. This consultation process is intended to build public trust and support for the site while ensuring its success in reducing overdose risks.

Importance of Supervised Consumption Sites

Supervised consumption sites have been shown to reduce overdose deaths and provide connections to treatment and social services. Staffed by trained professionals, these centres allow people to use drugs safely, monitor their health, and receive help if needed. By offering a controlled environment, such sites reduce risks associated with drug use in public spaces and help guide people toward rehabilitation. Manitoba’s plan aims to combine these benefits with community safety by carefully selecting a new location.

Balancing Safety and Support

The Manitoba government is committed to opening its first supervised consumption site while addressing community concerns. By relocating the site from 200 Disraeli Freeway and consulting with residents, the province aims to balance safety for children and families with support for people struggling with drug use. The government hopes that the site will help prevent overdose deaths, provide essential health services, and connect individuals to treatment. Public input and careful planning are central to making the site effective and acceptable to the community.