Manitoba begins ‘graduated opening’ of Winnipeg supervised consumption site
Posted June 29, 2026 5:10 pm.
Last Updated June 29, 2026 7:25 pm.
Winnipeg’s upcoming supervised consumption site on Henry Avenue began a “graduated opening” on Friday, as described by the Manitoba government.
The facility in the city’s inner core has been the centre of controversy since it was first announced, with advocates and members of the community expressing concern.
A nearby business, which asked to remain anonymous, recently told CityNews it’s concerned the site could scare off customers, leading to long-term fears the business could one day close its doors.
In a statement, Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Bernadette Smith says the province’s top priority is that staff are fully prepared to operate the site safely.
Smith went on to say the site began a graduated opening last week, with a controlled and supervised environment, along with staff from the mobile overdose prevention site.
The province also said the opening will roll into multiple dates throughout July, with efforts continuing to ramp up in August.
CityNews reached out to Aboriginal Health and Wellness, which will run the facility, but did not immediately hear back.
