A recent provincial law permitting the detention of intoxicated individuals for a maximum of 72 hours has raised concerns in Brandon, where a promised sobering center has yet to materialize. Efforts have been ongoing since 2021 to establish a 24-hour sobering center in the city following an initial $2 million funding commitment from Manitoba Justice. The center was proposed as an alternative to police cells for those detained for public intoxication.
Despite four years passing, the sobering center has not been established, leaving police with a 24-hour detention limit due to the absence of a designated protective care facility for 72 hours. Brandon Police Chief Tyler Bates highlighted the escalating substance use-related incidents, indicating a pressing need for the extended detention period.
The surge in the number of intoxicated individuals taken into custody has been evident since the inclusion of paramedics at Brandon’s detention center in mid-2025. The figures rose significantly from 255 individuals held between July and November 2024 to 529 in the same period in 2025.
Bates emphasized that the current 24-hour detention cap results in premature releases of individuals before achieving sobriety, exposing them to potential risks. The recent enactment of the Protective Detention and Care of Intoxicated Persons Act extends the detention period to 72 hours for highly intoxicated individuals, offering a more comprehensive approach to care.
Plans for the Brandon sobering center have faced setbacks primarily due to funding challenges, with the estimated cost for a purpose-built facility amounting to approximately $6 million. The project is still in the architectural design phase, awaiting additional funding to bridge the financial gap.
City officials are now considering a phased approach to building the center, focusing on critical community needs first and expanding as funding becomes available. Mayor Jeff Fawcett clarified that the initial $2 million allocation was intended as a starting point rather than full construction financing.
While the center’s location near the John Howard Society’s transitional housing is secured, the search for an operator remains ongoing to propel the project to completion. The necessity for the sobering center is underscored by the growing demand for enhanced care models in Winnipeg and other municipalities.
However, advocates caution against the potential negative impact of the new law, expressing concerns that expanded detention powers could lead to increased reliance on incarceration instead of community-based support. They stress the importance of a compassionate and treatment-focused approach to break the cycle of incarceration for individuals struggling with substance use.
In conclusion, the establishment of the sobering center in Brandon remains a critical step towards addressing substance use-related challenges and providing appropriate care for those in need.