A controversial Winnipeg detox centre that can be used to detain highly intoxicated people for up to three days officially opens Tuesday afternoon.

The 20-room facility at 190 Disraeli Fwy. will begin accepting people around 3 p.m., a provincial spokesperson said.

"The facility is operational right now, staff are there, but it will begin accepting people [then]," the spokesperson said in an email.

Also called a protective care centre or sobering centre, i t's set up to detain people on methamphetamine and other long-lasting drugs who are exhibiting mental health symptoms like psychosis or posing a substantial risk to themselves.

Minister defends drug intoxication detention plans at sobering centre in Winnipeg

It's staff are health-care professionals and paramedics and it's run

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