A Winnipeg Free Press columnist was invited to meet with residents and stakeholders to hear their concerns about locating the NDP's proposed Safe Consumption Site in their area.

Episode 34 reviews in three acts the invitation to Dan Lett, the aspersions he made about those questioning the proposal, and the scathing response to his smears from a woman who lives in the East Exchange.

Act 1- On Friday morning, after "an email exchange between you and a resident of the exchange was shared with me yesterday," a Point Douglas mother of five contacted Dan Lett.

"If you're truly confident that the site will bring safety and stability to Point Douglas, then we would like to extend a sincere invitation: join us for a walk through our community. Let us show you our homes, our streets, our schools, our challenges, and our strengths."

She told Lett, "What’s striking is that, in all these confident assertions, you’ve never once explained how this safety is achieved nor have you offered any data to support such claims... We’d be happy to sit down afterward for a beer or a gin and tonic and have a real, face-to-face conversation. Because this isn’t just policy. It’s our lived experience."

You'll also hear about the "math crisis" facing the communities east of Main Street, where "most individuals (targeted by) the SCS are not dipping into RRSPs or investment portfolios" but instead turn to theft and crime from area yards and businesses to find the thousands of dollars needed every day to pay their drug dealers.

15.45 Act 2 - Dan Lett turned down the offer, instead stereotyping the concerned residents as lacking empathy for addicts and smearing them as "being part of the ongoing problem."

"It is with great sadness and some bemusement that I respond to another active member of your neighborhood ..."

Lett's sanctimonious response was a stunning example of how legacy media in Winnipeg don't just repeat the narrative supporting a drug use site - they promote it.

"I've owned businesses right in your neighborhood. I honestly don't need to educated about the problems that exist."

This Ivory Tower attitude from supporters of an SCS across from Argyle High School like Dan Lett resemble the ultimate NIMBYs. It's easy to volunteer other families and property owners to deal with the costs and trauma that accompany every SCS created in Canada.

27.35 Act 3- A Free Press subscriber who was part of the email chain sent a reply to Lett about his crass remarks and to his biased coverage of the site controversy.

"The dismissive remarks and palpable tone of contempt toward residents questioning policy decisions have led me to reconsider my continued support (for the Free Press)... Residents raising concerns about the proposed supervised consumption site at 200 Disraeli are not “rapid gentrifiers.” They are concerned neighbours seeking accountability and balance."

Her neighbours who are recovering addicts "deserve not to be continuously exposed to open drug use and dealing in their community. Nor should it amuse you."

She continued, "The proposed location—directly across from a high school and mere meters from daycares, churches, and youth centres—contradicts the Premier’s assurances that such facilities would not be placed near schools. These are serious issues requiring thoughtful coverage, not mockery."

Hear how she refuted Lett's allegation "not a single one" of the opponents had brought forward other ideas, and pointed out the serious questions about public safety, site management, and "the over-reliance on encampments" that are yet unanswered by the NDP and site applicants, the Aboriginal Wellness Centre.

She again invited him to meet with the community, after she educated him. What will Dan Lett do next?

*****

Wab Kinew and his neighbours got a flyer from those concerned residents - read Marty's report:

https://winnipegsun.com/opinion/columnists/gold-would-you-allow-this-next-to-your-childs-school-kinews-neighbours-demand-answers-on-drug-site-plan