By Tanya Bashura
Residents of the Exchange District have serious concerns over the lack of transparency surrounding the proposed supervised consumption site at 200 Disraeli Freeway. The absence of proper consultation with the residents, business owners, and community members who are integral to the fabric of our neighborhood is both alarming and unacceptable. This process raises serious questions about the government's commitment to genuinely engaging with those most affected by this decision.
Consumption Site Adjacent to Exchange District
On November 21st, the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre (AHWC) filed an application with Health Canada to establish a supervised consumption site. However, this application has moved forward without any meaningful consultation with the community-at-large, despite a legal requirement to include a “community consultation report and related documents.” The same day the application was filed, NDP Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith, who represents the Exchange District in the Manitoba legislature, told CBC she wouldn’t confirm a Point Douglas location, stating that the province was “not at a point to divulge that information” and that consultations had not yet been completed but would be starting soon. This lack of critical consultations casts doubts on the transparency of this process and leaves residents in the dark about a decision that will significantly affect our daily lives.

Moreover, it is important to address a particularly sensitive issue regarding the location that has been selected for this facility. The building at 200 Disraeli Freeway has a dark history, as it was once the site where four women — Morgan Beatrice Harris, Marcedes Myran, Rebecca Contois, and another victim — placed their trust, seeking shelter and support. Tragically, they lost their lives there at the hands of the Winnipeg serial killer Jeremy Skibicki. This site is marked by immense tragedy, and the families and communities affected by these deaths are still grieving the loss of their loved ones.
The silence of the government and AHWC on the safe injection site is deeply troubling. Not only does this disregard the importance of community input, but it also perpetuates a sense of exclusion. By pushing ahead without addressing our concerns, it feels as though the voices of those who live, work, and invest in Point Douglas and the Exchange District are being ignored. We are essential to the fabric of this community—our perspectives, our businesses, and our lives matter.
There is no opposition to services that aim to help those in need. However, it is crucial that these services are designed and implemented in a way that does not harm the surrounding neighborhoods. We must ensure that the models being considered are tailored to our community’s unique needs, and not simply adopted from other regions where they have had adverse impacts. The people who rely on these services deserve a thoughtful, well-planned approach that balances their needs with the well-being of the entire community.
The Safe Injection Site Process
The government’s reluctance to engage with residents and the AHWC’s failure to provide a clear and transparent consultation process raise serious doubts about their commitment to the principles of fairness and community involvement. These are not just procedural issues—they are about ensuring that this decision is made with the full input of the people who will be directly impacted.
It does not appear that the AHWC has followed the federal government’s application process, which states:
The consultation report must include a description of consultation activities that were undertaken for the proposed site. Results from the consultations, including all feedback and comments that were received, should be provided. Any advertising materials, forms or documents used for collecting opinions may be included as supporting documentation. Examples of consultation tools include: open house, online survey, general email account, SCS website, information meetings, presenting at community association meetings, flyers, door-to-door canvassing,
You should include a description of measures to address concerns that were raised during the community consultation.
Where was the consultation?
Talk to the Neighbours
We call on the AHWC, the provincial government, and Health Canada to stop silencing the voices of those who live and work here. We demand that they expand their consultation efforts to include a meaningful dialogue with residents, businesses, and community members. This is not just a matter of policy — it is a matter of respecting the rights of those whose lives and livelihoods will be affected by this decision.

We are asking for an open and transparent process. This is our community, and we deserve to be heard. We must work together to ensure that any decision made serves both the individuals seeking support and the broader community in a way that is fair, compassionate, and sustainable.
Your Voice Matters
If you wish to voice your opinion on this proposed safe injection site, here are some people you may wish to correspond with:
Bernadette Smith bernadette.smith@yourmanitoba.ca
Santos, Vivian vsantos@winnipeg.ca
Aboriginal Health and Wellness :
Director : Della Herrera dherrera@ahwc.ca
Safe consumption Site Committee :
Minister Bernadette Smith minhah@manitoba.ca
Doerksen, Josh Josh.Doerksen@gov.mb.ca
Maria Bromilow Maria.Bromilow@gov.mb.ca
Vicki Toews Vicki.Toews@gov.mb.ca
Enns, Alexandra Alexandra.Enns@gov.mb.ca
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