First week at supervised drug consumption site issue-free: premier

Manitoba's first supervised drug consumption site opened on August 11, 2023, and Premier Wab Kinew reported no issues in its first week of operations. The site, located in Winnipeg, is a fenced-off parking lot at 366 Henry Ave while a permanent building undergoes renovations. Kinew, who made the site a 2023 election promise, said the facility could help save lives amidst a toxic street-drug crisis.

As of early in the week, the facility had served at least 125 clients. Premier Kinew expressed hope that the controversy surrounding the site would fade, allowing it to become a standard part of Manitoba's healthcare system for those with severe substance abuse issues.