Winnipeg Opens New Sobering Centre for 20 Patients Amid Drug Crisis

UPDATE: Winnipeg has just announced the opening of a new sobering centre designed to provide immediate care for individuals under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Located at 190 Disraeli Fwy., this facility can accommodate up to 20 patients and aims to address the ongoing substance abuse crisis in the region.

The sobering centre features 20 specially designed rooms, each equipped with a mattress, toilet, video surveillance, and a 24-hour call system for patients to reach medical staff, including paramedics, physicians, and psychiatrists. “Every single patient that comes in is going to have a thorough medical assessment by trained paramedics,” stated Dr. Rob Grierson, Medical Director of the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, during a press conference on Monday.

A significant new legislative change passed on November 5, 2023, allows individuals under the influence of methamphetamine and other substances to be held for up to 72 hours, an increase from the previous 24-hour limit. Dr. Grierson indicated that while the law permits longer stays, he anticipates that most patients will not require the full duration.

The facility will allocate 16 beds for patients primarily dealing with alcohol, similar to the Main Street Project’s protective care facility, while 4 beds will cater to those affected by methamphetamine and other drugs. “We’re going to learn a lot from this model and then we’ll expand where it’s appropriate,” added Dr. Grierson.

Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith emphasized the centre as a “new hope, a new space, and a new place for people.” She highlighted plans to connect patients to vital support services, including housing and addiction treatment. “We’re building in pathways for folks to get into treatment, to get into detox,” Smith stated.

However, the initiative has faced criticism from Progressive Conservative critic Jeff Bereza, who labeled the sobering centre as “extremely rushed.” He questioned the effectiveness of simply removing individuals from the streets for 72 hours without addressing the broader support needs in rural Manitoba. “There are too many unanswered questions,” Bereza expressed, underscoring concerns about the adequacy of available resources.

The location, 190 Disraeli Fwy., was once proposed as a site for the province’s first supervised consumption facility but was withdrawn due to community opposition. Authorities are also planning to open an additional 20 beds in early 2026 and are exploring options for new facilities in Thompson and Brandon.

As Winnipeg takes this crucial step towards addressing substance abuse, officials urge the community to support these efforts while recognizing the complex challenges that lie ahead. The focus now shifts to monitoring the effectiveness of the sobering centre and its potential expansion in the coming years.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.