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3 clusters · 5 sources · 22 days · First seen · Last updated

Winnipeg supervised consumption site opening

Overview

Manitoba has officially opened its first supervised consumption site in central Winnipeg. Operated by the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre in partnership with the provincial government, the facility aims to reduce overdose deaths and connect users to recovery services and social supports.

The site opened on August 11, 2026, following previous delays caused by location pushback. It is currently operating in a temporary space at 366 Henry Ave, a fenced-off parking lot, while a permanent building undergoes renovations. The facility is staffed by clinicians, nurses, mentors, and wayfinders, though it does not provide drugs.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew reported that the site completed its first week of operations without any reported issues, serving more than 125 clients. To address local security concerns, the Downtown Community Safety Partnership and security personnel are present during operating hours. Outreach workers noted that the region has faced an unprecedented summer regarding drug-related calls and overdoses.

Despite the quiet start, the initiative continues to face local criticism. Some residents and business owners have expressed frustration over a perceived lack of consultation and the cancellation of planned tours prior to the opening. Additionally, opposition Progressive Conservatives maintain that government resources should prioritize increasing addiction treatment capacity.

Entities

Winnipeg · Manitoba · Wab Kinew · Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre of Winnipeg · Bernadette Smith

Timeline

  1. 30 days ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Winnipeg supervised consumption site reports issue-free first week

    Manitoba’s first supervised consumption site in Winnipeg has completed its first week of operations with no reported incidents, serving over 125 clients so far.

  2. about 1 month ago

    [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Winnipeg opens Manitoba’s first supervised consumption site

    Manitoba has opened its first supervised consumption site in central Winnipeg to provide harm reduction and connections to recovery services.

  3. about 2 months ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Manitoba's First Supervised Consumption Site Set to Open August 11 in Winnipeg

    Manitoba's first supervised consumption site, run by the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre in Winnipeg, will fully open on Aug 11, operating Tues‑Sat 11 a.m.–6:45 p.m. to curb overdoses.

Sources

brandonsun.com · cjoy.com · looniepolitics.com · winnipeg.citynews.ca · winnipegfreepress.com

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history