News Releases

The Manitoba government is providing $2.8 million to the City of Thompson to establish and operate a sobering centre, Justice Minister Cliff Cullen announced today.

 

“Sobering centres offer an effective alternative to police and hospital-based responses to public intoxication, while keeping Manitobans safe,” said Cullen. “This centre will provide a safe setting for individuals needing short-term recovery.”

 

Public intoxication continues to be a significant health and public safety issue in Thompson, with over 2,000 detentions under The Intoxicated Persons Detention Act (IPDA) in 2019. IPDA calls put a significant burden on Thompson’s RCMP detachment, as well as local health-care facilities.

 

The Thompson Sobering Centre will provide a 24-7 safe and secure environment for non-violent, publicly intoxicated individuals to stay while the effects of drugs and/or alcohol wear off. 

 

“The new sobering centre is a central part to the Main Street North project,” said Mayor Colleen Smook, City of Thompson “We need to recognize that we are working to fix issues over three decades in the making, but with a sustained, committed effort, we will see a safer, healthier Thompson.”

 

Last year, the Manitoba government announced more than $11 million for infrastructure and public safety initiatives in Thompson, and launched Restorative Justice North in partnership with the Manitoba Metis Federation and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak. The goal of Restorative Justice North is to increase the use of diversion options in Thompson and resolve conflicts in a more timely way. 

 

Earlier this year, the province announced a $35,000 grant for the City of Thompson to work with a consultant and develop a community safety and well-being strategy. The funding builds on $300,000 previously allocated by the province to support community safety initiatives.

 

The province continues to support law enforcement and community stakeholders in approaches to combat and reduce public intoxication and disorder in the downtown area, and extend the Restorative Justice Centre model to the community.

 

Today’s announcement is one in a series of this government’s investments to meet better the needs of Manitobans struggling with mental health and addiction concerns. Since October 2019, the province has announced 17 initiatives valued at more than $28.8 million to improve mental health and addictions services throughout the province.

 

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