The provincial government has announced that they will be contributing $ 2.8 million for a sobering centre in Thompson.

Justice Minister Cliff Cullen says a sobering centre will address public intoxication in the city by providing a safe place for publically intoxicated people while the effects of drugs and alcohol wear off. Cullen adds that the sobering centre will offer an alternative to police and hospital-based responses.

Mayor Colleen Smook says the new sobering centre is a central part of the Main Street North project, and adds that with a sustained, committed effort, we will see a “safer, healthier Thompson.”

According to a provincial news release, public intoxication continues to be a significant health and public safety issue in Thompson, as the city has had over 2, 000 detentions under The Intoxicated Persons Detention Act in 2019.