Winnipeg Crackdown: Support and Skepticism Emerge

A group of organizations in Winnipeg has publicly backed a recent 10-day police initiative targeting open drug use and trafficking, which concluded on July 3. These groups, including the West End Business Improvement Zone and Winnipeg School Division, highlighted the 'extreme changes in behaviour' and 'serious violent harm' observed in public spaces. They expressed strong support for the city and police in addressing public intoxication and its consequences.

Conversely, some outreach workers argue that the intensified police presence may have done more harm than good. Lorie English of the West Central Women's Resource Centre noted that severed trust can take longer to rebuild than the 10-day enforcement period. She also pointed to a recent death potentially linked to individuals concealing drug use due to fear, though police confirmed attending a medical call where a man was hospitalized.

Mitch Bourbonniere, a seasoned outreach worker, described the situation on the streets as 'intense' and the enforcement initiative as 'militarized' and 'scary.' He believes the focus should be on 'predators' (sellers) rather than drug users, who he considers 'victims,' advocating for engagement rather than scattering.

Joe Kornelsen of the West End BIZ acknowledged that addiction needs addressing but stressed the urgency of violent crime. He reported positive community reactions and improvements in the area during the crackdown, emphasizing that the focus was on immediate crime reduction.