Alberta opens new recovery community

Alberta’s government is giving those suffering from addiction an opportunity to pursue recovery by opening doors to a world class treatment centre near Edmonton.

The Alberta Recovery Model is a system of care built by Alberta’s government to support those suffering from addiction in their pursuit of recovery. The services made available through this model are providing a continuum of care including prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery. The model is based on the fact that recovery is possible, and that there is hope for those currently facing addiction. It is the Alberta government’s belief that everyone deserves an opportunity to rebuild their life and reunite with their family, community and culture.

A main focus of the Alberta Recovery Model is to build treatment capacity, which government has done by funding more than 10,000 new addiction treatment spaces since 2019. Long-term treatment capacity continues to grow with the building of 11 recovery communities, the third of which opened its doors just outside Edmonton in summer 2024. The Lakeview Recovery Community in Gunn officially welcomed its first clients and began operation on July 29.

“There is hope in helping someone pursue recovery, and our government is proud to be focused on that,” said Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta. “The goal of recovery communities like this one is that each client leaves drug-free and ready to begin jobs or training with the help of strong connections close to home. Recovery communities are making a difference in the lives of many Albertans facing addiction, and affecting countless more as they reunite with those they love on a new path forward in recovery.”

Dan Williams, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction, added; “Leaving people to suffer in addiction is not an option. We are going to continue working hard in building a recovery-oriented system of care, one that focuses on the needs of each person and helps them overcome the disease of addiction.”

At each of the recovery communities built by Alberta’s government, clients participate in a program that averages around three months long. If necessary for their success in recovery, a client could stay for up to one year. All treatment services are provided at no cost. Programs address a person’s addiction while also helping them rebuild their health, relationships, skills and many other aspects of their life. With 75 designated treatment beds on site, the Lakeview Recovery Community is expected to support up to 300 people every year in their pursuit of recovery.

The Lakeview Recovery Community was developed by renovating and expanding existing government-owned infrastructure, formerly known as the McCullough Centre. The facility was closed in February 2021 due to the need for repairs, allowing for a full renovation of each cabin and the construction of a new dining hall. In total, Alberta’s government invested $21 million for the construction of the Lakeview Recovery Community.

The Lakeview Recovery Community will be operated by ROSC Solutions Group Inc. and will be home to the Recovery Training Institute of Alberta (RTIA). The RTIA is a provincial training hub for those employed within a recovery community or other treatment centre in Alberta. It will provide an environment for hands-on learning with full immersion into the work of addiction treatment. With the RTIA, Alberta’s government is creating a workforce of people who are well-educated and trained in the sector.

“The grand opening of Lakeview Recovery Community represents a significant step forward in providing essential recovery services to those in need,” said Lindsey Hague, executive director, Lakeview Recovery Community. “Our facility is designed to offer a safe, supportive and therapeutic environment where residents receive individualized care to achieve lasting recovery. We are honoured to be part of this pioneering initiative and look forward to making a meaningful impact on the lives of our residents.”

“For people to succeed in recovery, it is important they have a team surrounding them,” said Bill Caldwell, executive director, Recovery Training Institute of Alberta. “The importance of building a supportive community around those entering recovery cannot be overstated. Through common foundations and language, we are helping create a culture of recovery across the entire province, thanks to the work done at the RTIA and the support of Alberta’s government.”

Alberta’s government is making record investments and removing barriers to recovery-oriented supports for all Albertans regardless of where they live or their financial situation. In addition to the addition of more than 10,000 new, publicly funded addiction treatment spaces, the government has expanded access to the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program, which provides same-day access to life-saving treatment medication.

-Province of Alberta News Release