Point Douglas residents raise concerns about supervised drug consumption site proposal
Government still in consultations and 'not rushing this': Addictions Minister Bernadette Smith
More than 100 people, including Winnipeg's new police chief, showed up to a town hall meeting Tuesday evening to voice ideas and concerns about the proposed supervised consumption site for Point Douglas.
Christin Harris, who lives with her family near the proposed site at 200 Disraeli Freeway, works in harm reduction and said the government should focus on addictions treatment rather than a place for supervised drug use.
"There are other avenues that we can explore," Harris said. "In terms of detox treatment, we need that today.
"We have wait lists for [rapid access addiction medicine] clinics now so the importance of having the detox beds available … is essential."
Greg Robson said the meeting didn't address his concerns about a potential escalation of crime.
"I think we're seeing Band-Aid solutions here. There's no real solution," he said. "It's a lot of lip-service.
"It's the third meeting with the same result, and it's taxing."
The meeting, inside Ashdown Market in the city's Exchange District, was organized by the Point Douglas Residents' Committee.
The province's Housing, Homelessness and Addictions Minister Bernadette Smith, along with police chief Gene Bowers and other high-ranking members of the Winnipeg Police Service were in attendance.
Police Supt. Bonnie Emerson said city police wanted to send a message to residents they're working on a plan.
"There's a lot of passion and frustration [but] I think it's important for the public to understand … this isn't decriminalization and this isn't safe supply. Part of the plan will be enforcement," she said.
The Manitoba government filed the application for the supervised consumption site with Health Canada in late November. The application is still under review.
The building would be shared with the N'Dinawemak — Our Relatives' Place, a winter warm-up shelter, and be operated by the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre.
Area residents have previously criticized the province for not consulting with them before determining the proposed location and raising safety concerns.
Smith said Tuesday the government is still in consultations and is "not rushing this."
"We want to make sure that we're getting it right," she said, adding the government is looking to balance harm reduction with drug enforcement.
"People need to understand that this supervised consumption site is about primary health care," she said.
"Getting people connected to stabilized housing, getting them connected to mental health workers and addiction supports."
Carrie Hiebert, the Opposition Progressive Conservative Party's housing, addictions and homelessness critic, also spoke at the meeting.
She said Manitoba is opening consumption sites as other provinces are closing them, arguing like Harris that more money should be spent on addictions treatment instead.
With files from Josh Crabb