Northway Wellness Centre, the new home of the Residential Withdrawal Management and Safe Beds program, celebrated a Community Welcome event Thursday included a ribbon cutting ceremony and public guided tours.
The facility is a short-term service that provides safe care for individuals 16 and older who are experiencing substance withdrawal, are intoxicated, or seeking help with relapse prevention. Safe beds provides voluntary crisis accommodations and support for those with mental health and addiction crises.
The building that formerly housed the Sault Star has undergone a massive transformation. Owned by DiTommaso Developments offers over 16,000 square feet with 20 private adult safe beds bedrooms. therapeutic outdoor gardens, fitness and laundry rooms, kitchen, living spaces and lounges.
“I am humbled to be able to join the team at Sault Area Hospital and so many community leaders for the grand opening” Ross Romano, MPP for Sault Ste. Marie said to a large crowd at the ribbon cutting. “This new facility site will provide treatment options to people in our community who are suffering”
The province says it will give Sault Area Hospital up to $343,000 per year in operational funding.
Construction began in April 2022 at a cost of $20 million.
“The opening of Northway Wellness Centre is a momentous event and a major step forward in enhancing addictions services in Algoma. This much-needed modern, safe facility, along with our team of excellent health
professionals, will provide a comfortable and healing environment for clients. We still have more work to do and I look forward to continuing to work with MPP Ross Romano and our government to improve mental health and addictions services in our community.” said, Ila Watson, SAH President and CEO.
Northway will open its doors to clients on Monday, September 25.
