Winnipeg opens Manitoba’s first supervised consumption site

Manitoba has opened its first supervised consumption site in central Winnipeg. The facility, operated by the non-profit Aboriginal Health and Wellness in partnership with the province, is designed to reduce the harms of substance use and connect individuals to recovery services and support systems.

While the site does not provide drugs, it is staffed by clinicians, nurses, mentors, and wayfinders. The opening follows delays from an initial 2025 target due to location pushback and other complications. The facility is currently operating in a temporary space and is open Tuesday through Saturday from late morning to early evening.

The initiative has faced local criticism. Some residents and business owners have expressed concerns regarding security, while the opposition Progressive Conservatives have argued that government focus should remain on increasing addiction treatment capacity.