Manitoba Government Selects New Site for Supervised Consumption

UPDATE: The Manitoba government has just announced a new location for its first supervised drug consumption site, moving away from the initially proposed site on Disraeli Street due to community concerns. Residents highlighted the proximity of the original site to a high school, prompting officials to reconsider.

The new site at 366 Henry Ave., just west of Main Street in Winnipeg, is now on the table. This decision follows several consultation meetings with local residents, who have raised pressing questions about safety and community impact. Ed Gallos, president of a nearby roofing business, voiced his apprehensions, stating, “We are worried about the safety of our workers and visitors to our property.”

The NDP government aims to have the supervised consumption site operational by January 2024. This facility will not supply drugs but will provide a safe environment where individuals can inject drugs under the supervision of trained staff ready to respond to any overdoses and connect users with treatment options.

This strategic move is seen as a critical step in addressing the ongoing overdose crisis in Manitoba. Families impacted by addiction are hopeful. A father who lost his son to an overdose remarked that the new plan is a “step in the right direction.”

As authorities push forward with plans for the Henry Avenue site, community members will be closely watching developments. The government is encouraging ongoing dialogue to ensure the new location meets the community’s needs while addressing the urgent health crisis at hand.

This timely shift in location reflects a growing responsiveness to public concerns and highlights the importance of community engagement in health initiatives. Stakeholders are urged to stay informed as the situation evolves.

Residents are encouraged to participate in future discussions to ensure the site is a safe and effective resource for those in need.