After receiving feedback regarding the planned location of a supervised drug consumption site in Winnipeg, officials from the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre have stated that community engagement will continue as an ongoing process. The provincial government, led by Premier Wab Kinew, is also open to reevaluating the site’s location if significant concerns arise from the community.
‘Willing to go in a different direction’ if needed
Monica Cyr, a senior director at the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre overseeing the site project, remarked, ‘We’re coming, let’s talk,’ in response to community criticism. The decision to open a supervised drug consumption site was announced by the Manitoba government in July, but the specific location was not revealed at that time.
The area proposed is located at 200 Disraeli Freeway, situated near an alternative high school, which has led to concerns from local residents and organizations about safety and the adequacy of consultations prior to the announcement.
Addressing Community Concerns
According to Cyr, there were priority consultations conducted with schools, daycares, and nearby residents. However, she acknowledged, ‘Does that mean community engagement ends there? Absolutely not. For us, engagement is an ongoing dialogue… There’s not an end date.’
While the site aims to address Manitoba’s ongoing drug crisis, Kinew emphasized that safety is paramount. ‘We’re going to have a police presence,’ he assured reporters, indicating plans for proactive measures to ensure community security.
As the proposal progresses, the Manitoba government has allocated $727,000 in funding for the development of the site, part of a broader commitment of $2.5 million in the 2024 budget.
This initiative aims to create safer spaces for individuals dealing with substance use, with the overarching goal of reducing harm and saving lives.
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