DAWSON CREEK -- The new drug treatment centre under construction in Pouce Coupe has had to overcome challenges before breaking ground.
The North Wind Wellness Centre has been in the planning phase for over a decade, however, the company behind the recovery centre ran into a $4 million dollar shortfall.
Pouce Coupe Mayor Danielle Veach and council enlisted the help of the PRRD. They lobbied the provincial government, Health Minister Adrian Dix and Northern Health. Within weeks they were able to get the money needed in order to finally break ground.
The centre will offer a 45-day culturally based residential treatment program for those 19 and older. The 55-bed facility will also provide after-care and serve youth-at-risk. 40 of the beds are going to be used for aftercare, 10 for treatment, and five for detox.
The ARCH model is the first of its kind in Canada, involving detox, treatment, aftercare and long-term recovery housing.
It's expected to cost between $35 and $40-million dollars and open in the winter of 2025.