B-C’s Health Ministry says the province has officially broken ground on the construction of the North Wind Wellness Centre project in northeastern BC.
It says the addiction treatment and recovery centre in Pouce Coupe will offer 55 spaces that integrate First Nations healing practices with clinical care.
“Many families have suffered unendurable losses due to the toxic drug epidemic in our communities. This facility offers a second chance to those struggling with addiction, and reassurance to families that help is close to home,” said Danielle Veach, mayor of Pouce Coupe.
The new 32-hundred-square-metre facility aims to provide trauma-informed and culturally safe care to people 19 and older, throughout all stages of recovery.
“This facility will bring a unique approach to addiction recovery services to our region, helping those who have previously had to travel far for this essential support. It will serve people throughout the province as well. We’re excited to see this project move forward - it’s going to make a real difference for people who need help,” said Leonard Hiebert, board chair, Peace River Regional District -
Health Minister Josie Osborne says the facility is a step forward in bringing a more inclusive health system to BC. “This groundbreaking marks a meaningful step forward in building a more inclusive and culturally safe health-care system,” said Osborne.
The new centre will support people at all stages of recovery. The NWWC will provide five detox beds, 10 addiction treatment beds, 40 self-contained supportive housing units and the Junction, a recovery-based community centre at the heart of the complex that will serve as a resource hub for those in treatment.
The North Wind Wellness Centre will provide vital, comprehensive support for people on their healing journey, closer to home and community. It’s a powerful example of how we can work together to build services that are rooted in community and focused on wellness," said Osborne
Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs said “The centre offers stable, safe homes and continued support after treatment, helping people build a foundation for a healthier life. At the same time, cutting-edge care and services will honour and deepen connections to family, First Nations culture and community.”
The NWWC will deliver a full continuum of addictions recovery services in one place, combining detox, early recovery housing, treatment and supportive housing through the Addictions Recovery Community Housing (ARCH) model.
This model combines Indigenous healing traditions with western medicine practices, including co-ordinated access, live-in treatment supports and post-recovery supports.
The centre is designed with input from local First Nations and features culturally significant design elements. It is expected to open in the winter of 2025.