City Attributes Permit Error to Clerical Mistake Amid Manitoba PCs’ Criticism

Concerns surrounding a recent construction permit approved by the City of Winnipeg have prompted significant scrutiny. This permit pertains to a provincially-owned facility located at 190 Disraeli Fwy, where Manitoba is planning to establish a 72-hour detox center.

Details of the Approved Permit

In October, the City issued a permit for “20 safe consumption rooms.” However, this description was quickly altered to “20 sobering units” on the city’s website, leading to confusion and criticism. Manitoba Progressive Conservatives (PC) raised concerns at a press conference, questioning the legitimacy of the plans.

Response from Political Leaders

• PC Leader Obby Khan expressed doubts about the clarity of the proposal.
• Khan asked, “What is being built at 190 Disraeli?” referring to the apparent mix-up.
• Housing, Addictions, and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith addressed the issue, citing a clerical error by a contractor.

Smith emphasized that the facility will be set up as a detox site, not a supervised consumption area. The uncertainty surrounding the terminology has amplified tensions between political parties.

Legislative Developments

On October 2, Minister Smith introduced Bill 48, the Protective Detention and Care of Intoxicated Persons Act. This legislation aims to replace the existing Intoxicated Persons Act from 1987 and would allow for longer detention periods at detox centers, extending hold times from 24 hours to 72 hours.

Public Concerns and Criticism

The proposed bill has faced backlash during public committee meetings. Critics argue that it represents an abuse of government power and may infringe on individual rights. Concerns about the legislation being rushed have also surfaced among medical professionals and law enforcement.

• MLA Jeff Bereza, PC critic for housing, addictions, and homelessness, shared similar reservations about the bill.
• Both Bereza and Khan acknowledged the necessity of a 72-hour detention but called for further evaluations of the bill’s impacts on rural communities.

As it stands, the City of Winnipeg and Manitoba government are moving forward with plans for the detox center and aim to open the facility by November 1. The bill must clear three readings to become law and has already progressed through its first and second readings.