Prince George is now home to a new treatment and recovery site with the opening of the Northern B.C. Therapeutic Community on March 13.
This new program is located at the former site of Baldy Hughes Therapeutic Community and Farm, approximately 30 km southwest of Prince George. The site was originally built as a military base.
The Northern BC Therapeutic Community has 25 publicly funded treatment and recovery beds, which opened following building renovations and program updates.
"People living in BC's northern communities need access to treatment and care as close to home as possible," said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. "As we expand services around the province, it is essential that people in remote communities can also connect with the right recovery options. These new beds in Prince George mean that more people will be able to access treatment and recovery services while removing some of the significant barriers faced by people living in rural and remote communities."
The new program provides individuals suffering from addiction with a place to build community while focusing on recovery from substance-use challenges. It equips participants with the tools needed to sustain long-term success in their post-care journeys.
"When people need support in their recovery journey, every barrier removed helps them get closer to reaching their goals," said Jonny Morris, CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association BC Division. "The new publicly funded treatment and recovery beds will help people access the supports they need while staying closer to home — closing the distance and removing the financial costs that could otherwise hold them back. We are grateful to work with the Province of BC and Connective Support Society in providing these accessible, life-changing supports."
The Northern BC Therapeutic Community will be operated by Connective, a community-based social services non-profit organization working throughout B.C. and Yukon.
Program stays will last between six and 12 months, with aftercare services available for one year after program completion. Programs will focus on a holistic model that will rebuild physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being using personal and social responsibility.
This new program is part of the province's push to expand treatment and recovery options in all regions of BC. These 25 new beds are part of the 180 publicly funded beds announced in January 2024, bringing the total to 190 beds.
To find mental health and substance-use supports in BC, visit helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca.
