Proposed addictions treatment centre for Winnipeg clears another hurdle

The mayor’s inner circle has unanimously approved a plan to build a proposed addictions treatment centre in Winnipeg at the site of an old rink.

Winnipeggers both for and against the sale of the Vimy Arena packed into city hall’s Executive Policy Committee (EPC) meeting Wednesday to talk about the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre.

The city’s property committee approved the sale to the province for $1 last week.

READ: City committee approves sale of Vimy Arena for Bruce Oake Recovery Centre

The land in question, a shuttered recreation facility in Sturgeon Creek has been under scrutiny from community groups since the fall when the 50 bed Bruce Oake Recovery Centre was proposed publicly.

In total, there were 21 delegations in front of the mayor’s inner circle regarding the centre. Those against the facility’s transformation were lead by city councillor Shawn Dobson.

They argue that the current green-space is an important part of their neighbourhood and installing an addictions treatment centre could be detrimental to the area’s development. Some said Wednesday the city has rushed through the deal.

Those for the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre spoke mainly about mental health and addictions and about how important treatment is.

The plan still requires full approval from council.  A vote will take place next month.