Twenty-six people detained at detox centre since March

Since March, twenty-six individuals have been detained at a detox centre designed to hold people experiencing drug psychosis for up to 72 hours. Despite this, only 26 people were held at the facility since its opening. The 20-room facility on Disraeli Fwy is operated by the Main Street Project, a non-profit with a medical model that includes doctors and clinicians.

The province invested $3.7 million to purchase the building and another $5 million for renovations to create a safe space for intoxicated individuals. Legislation was altered to extend the detention period from 24 to 72 hours due to concerns about the long-term effects of drugs like meth. Premier Wab Kinew stated the new "drunk tank" and legislation aim to protect people from those "wilding out" on drugs.

Housing Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith affirmed the centre is a "needed resource," providing wound care and referrals to services. She emphasized it is one of many tools the government supports to help individuals seeking treatment.