Supervised consumption site now fully open in Winnipeg
A supervised drug consumption site has opened in downtown Winnipeg to help reduce fatal overdoses and connect users with support services. The project has faced significant opposition from local residents and political critics who question the lack of accompanying treatment infrastructure.
Why it matters
The facility represents a controversial public health approach to the opioid crisis, balancing harm reduction with concerns over community safety and treatment availability.
The site at 366 Henry Ave. in downtown Winnipeg opened at 11 a.m. Tuesday, after several setbacks derailed the province's plans to establish a facility allowing drug users to consume under the supervision of trained staff last year.
The province says the site — which will not supply drugs — will reduce the risk of fatal overdoses and other harms while connecting people to resources they need.
"A little emotional for the community that they're finally going to get the supports and services that they so deserve," Addictions Minister Bernadette Smith said.
"This is another tool where people can access supports and services, get on to a path to recovery."
The NDP had initially aimed to open the site in 2025. It first proposed opening it on the Disraeli Freeway, but that location was scrapped in September amid stiff opposition from people in the area.
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