Location of new drug detox centre gathers mixed reviews

The province’s plan to open a detox facility for people high on meth is getting a variety of reactions. CTV’s Jeff Keele reports.

The site of a new drug detox centre in Winnipeg has gathered mixed reviews.

Karen Hudson can see firsthand how her community near the Disraeli Bridge is struggling.

“Too much drugs, homeless people, people are always hungry,” Hudson said.

She welcomes a plan to put a new detox centre in the neighbourhood, where multiple homeless encampments are in plain sight.

“They camp out over here, they’re on the street, they camp out under the bridge,” Hudson said.

Premier Wab Kinew announced the building at 190 Disraeli Freeway, which currently houses N’Dinawemak, a 24/7 shelter, will be the new home of a detox facility for those on meth and other strong drugs.

“It’s a location that we own, and we can move quickly to add right now 20 spaces to keep people,” Kinew said.

There is also a plan to add another 20 beds in the future.

The move coincides with proposed legislative changes where people high on drugs like meth can be held for up to three days, instead of the current limit of 24 hours.

READ MORE: Progress made on bill to allow Manitoba authorities to hold intoxicated people longer

“Where they locate it, that’s really up to the province of Manitoba,” said Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham. “But I am supportive of the move that they’re making to hold people longer.”

Mitch Bourbonniere, a N’Dinawemak board member, said they’re negotiating a plan to keep the shelter in place while adding the sobering centre — which he sees as a natural fit in the building and the neighbourhood.

“Just right next door (to) have people that are being looked after under psychosis is a great thing, people need help,” Bourbonniere said.

This comes after the premier abandoned a plan to place a supervised drug consumption site in the building following pushback from the community. One of those voices was the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) which is located next door.

MMF Winnipeg Region VP Andrew Carrier is questioning this new plan.

“They’re adding the detox centre to what they’re doing right now, it will be an overload in that area,” Carrier said. “We know for a fact there are other available lots for sale nearby.”

Kinew has said the facility will have medical care and access to addictions treatment and could open in November if the legislation passes in time.