Businesses along Portage Avenue in Winnipeg are increasingly alarmed by a rise in open drug use and vandalism, which they say threatens the safety of customers and volunteers. Patty Antoniak and Susan Lockhart, who run the Just Like New to You thrift store, reported a recent fire set in their store's vestibule and multiple incidents of vandalism, costing them thousands in repairs. They noted that the neighborhood has changed significantly in recent months, with more drug activity and people loitering in the area. Local officials, including Coun. Cindy Gilroy, acknowledge that while housing initiatives are underway, there is a pressing need for more resources to address addiction and mental health issues. Gilroy has suggested temporarily removing bus shelters where drug use is prevalent, but neighboring business owners like Brenden Gali argue that this would merely displace the problem. Instead, they advocate for increased funding for community support organizations to provide effective solutions. The situation has prompted calls for collaboration among all levels of government to develop sustainable strategies to improve safety and support for those in need.