Manitoba Minister Defends Drug Site Amid Community Backlash

Manitoba’s Minister of Addictions, Bernadette Smith, faced criticism during a public consultation on a proposed supervised drug consumption site in Winnipeg’s inner city. The government aims to open the site as early as January 2024, but the location has sparked significant concern among local residents and business owners.

Public Consultation Highlights Concerns

At the meeting, held at Siloam Mission, approximately 100 attendees expressed their opposition to the government’s preferred site at 366 Henry Ave.. Many voiced worries about safety and the impact on the community, citing existing issues with crime and discarded needles from nearby homeless shelters. Smith emphasized the need for the site, stating, “This is where the data tells us that the supervised consumption needs to be, because the majority of overdoses have happened in this area.”

The proposed location is the government’s second choice; the initial site at 200 Disraeli Freeway was abandoned due to strong opposition from local residents, particularly because of its proximity to a high school and daycare. Critics of the Henry Avenue site included shop owners who have already been dealing with the fallout from nearby shelters.

During the consultation, some attendees displayed signs reading “Point Douglas residents deserve a safe neighbourhood.” One business owner questioned the timing of the announcement, remarking, “How is this building already getting emptied without our notice?” His sentiments were echoed by others who articulated concerns about the safety of the neighbourhood.

Community Reactions and Safety Concerns

Scott Halley, Deputy Chief of Operations for the Winnipeg Police Service, addressed the crowd, affirming the police’s support for a “health-led approach to addictions.” He emphasized that arresting individuals is not a sustainable solution, stating, “We can’t arrest everybody and take them off the streets.” This reflects a growing recognition of the need for alternative strategies to combat addiction and its associated challenges.

Supporters of the site, including a former addict, urged the community to keep an open mind. “If you have your fears, bring it to the table, and we will, as a community, work through it one by one,” he said, acknowledging the discomfort some feel about the proposed location.

In response to the backlash, Premier Wab Kinew remarked earlier in the day that the implementation of a safe consumption site is crucial, despite its unpopularity. He referred to the initiative using a slogan from a cough medicine brand, saying, “it tastes awful, and it works.” He called on the community to consider the broader health needs and safety concerns at play.

While there are plans for additional consultation sessions, Kinew also noted that these discussions could potentially delay the site’s opening by a few weeks. The provincial government is keen to establish the site under an urgent public health needs designation, allowing it to operate temporarily while seeking a long-term federal exemption.

The Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre will manage the site, which is expected to initially function from a vehicle while renovations are completed. Monica Cyr, the centre’s Senior Director of Clinical Operations and Research, indicated that the site would prioritize client anonymity and trust-building before collecting personal health information.

The upcoming consultations, including a virtual town hall and a meeting specifically for business owners, aim to address community concerns as the government navigates this contentious issue. As the discussions continue, the future of the proposed supervised drug consumption site remains uncertain, reflecting a broader debate about public health strategies in addressing addiction and its consequences.