Alberta’s first recovery community in Red Deer almost complete

The government of Alberta says the construction of its first recovery community, The Red Deer Recovery Community, is nearly complete and it’s expected to give Albertans struggling with addiction long-term treatment.

“Alberta’s government is making sure that every Albertan has the opportunity to pursue recovery from the devastating and destructive illness of addiction. The Red Deer Recovery Community symbolizes just how far we have come in three short years toward building a system of care that is comprehensive, coordinated and effective – with recovery as the ultimate goal,” said Premier Jason Kenney. “This project, and new ones like it to be built in Edmonton and Calgary, will give more people a fighting chance to recover from addiction and build a new life.”

Mike Ellis, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, says addiction and mental health problems have affected central Alberta significantly over the last decade.

“Increasing treatment capacity in Red Deer is long overdue, and we are proud to make this investment in the community,” Ellis said. “With more recovery communities being built across the province, Red Deer will be a shining example of what can be accomplished when we focus our efforts on helping people recover.”

Nicholas Milliken, Minister of Infrastructure, adds this is more than building a facility.

“It’s a beacon of hope for people seeking help for addiction,” Milliken said. “We’re proud to have led the construction of a project that will have a profound impact on the people of Red Deer and on the lives of so many Albertans in their pursuit of recovery.”

Meanwhile, Adrianna LaGrange, Minister of Education and MLA for Red Deer-North, says the building will provide “life changing support” to Red Deerians.

“As the local MLA, I could not be more excited that this project is very nearly complete, and I look forward to welcoming clients in the near future.”

Red Deer’s Mayor, Ken Johnston, also says this initiative will give hope to people.

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“Red Deer is proud to be home to the first recovery community built in Alberta. This project has been a sign of hope for the people of Red Deer at a time when addiction has had such a significant impact on our community,” Johnston said. “In the coming weeks Red Deer will discuss how we can put even more of a focus on recovery from addiction to build a healthier and safer community.”

Clinical operations at the recovery community will start once the construction is over in October 22, and the building undergoes a commissioning before service.

The facility will have 75 beds, resources, and tools to help people recover from addiction where residents would be allowed to stay for up to one year.

Services can range from from medical detox, opioid agonist medications to programs that help them rebuild their lives, such as employment and financial supports.

The government is also working on building five other recovery communities in Edmonton, Calgary, Lethbridge, Gunn, and the Blood Tribe First Nation.