Just 26 out of over 4000 people admitted to this protective care centre (PCC) since March were in drug psychosis.
Provincial data shows most people detained were under the influence of alcohol.
“The PCC is doing what it’s meant to do: support people, meet them where they are at, provide a caring environment,” said Bernadette Smith, minister of housing, addictions and homelessness, province of Manitoba.
Data from the government shows that most of those admitted to the facility at 190 Disraeli Freeway were recovering from alcohol intoxication.
From the time it opened on Dec. 2, 2025, until June 30, 2026, the centre has seen a total of 4,425 people, who stayed there for an average of less than five hours.
“That’s a needed resource. It’s another tool, one of many tools that we do have as a government,” Smith said.
As of March 4, PCC began to admit people under the influence of methamphetamine or other non-alcohol substances.
The data shows 26 people were detained for that purpose during the first four months.
The average length of stay was under 10 hours, while the longest stay was 45.5 hours.
“We always are checking in on drug trends. So, we went from meth being the primary which is unpredictable and we have people who are acting out violently that are a danger to themselves and danger to others. We are not seeing this as much. We are seeing more tranquilizers, when people are in a sedated state,” Smith explained.
But critics say the numbers are not reflecting the reality on the streets.
Founder of the Singing Red Bear Foundation Joseph Fourre says the facility has a lot of potential as a stabilizing unit and an access point to resources.
“Using the excuse that the drug use has changed and more people are in a tranquil state still does not justify them not getting help,” Fourre said.
The province spent a total of $8.7 million on the purchase and renovations of the centre.
“With 4000 people being put in there under the influence of alcohol. that’s telling me that we have a very very expensive drunk tank,” Fourre.
File photo of Winnipeg’s protective care centre, also known as a sobering centre, before its opening, on Nov. 17, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski david lipnowski
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