Alberta's government is investing more than $30 million to add over 400 new treatment, housing and stabilization beds in the Edmonton area, while also expanding and strengthening services and recovery-oriented programs. These investments are part of the Alberta Recovery Model’s continuum of care, including expanded addiction treatment capacity, navigation support, medical shelter and supportive housing. Together, these initiatives create additional pathways to treatment and recovery while helping relieve pressures on emergency services and front-line organizations.
As the epicentre of Alberta's opioid crisis, Edmonton accounts for more than half of all opioid-related deaths and nearly two thirds of opioid-related emergency health services responses in the province. This is due in part to the prevalence of carfentanil in the Edmonton area, which is 100 times more potent than fentanyl. At the same time, the city is witnessing an increase in the number of mental health emergencies and complaints about social disorder in the downtown area. Addressing this complex crisis requires a strong, coordinated response focused on connecting people with the health and social supports they need.
“The trends in Edmonton are deeply concerning and cannot be ignored. While most communities have seen opioid deaths return to pre-pandemic levels, Edmonton remains the exception. These investments are about strengthening Edmonton’s entire system of care so more people can get the help they need.”
“I’ve heard directly from the residents, businesses and community leaders in Chinatown and across downtown about the impact the mental health and addictions crisis is having on our communities. This investment represents a significant step toward connecting people with the essential support they need while improving safety and well-being for everyone.”
Expanding addiction treatment capacity
Alberta’s government is increasing access to medical detoxification, pre-treatment and recovery services through investments in recovery connections services and expanded access to recovery communities serving the Edmonton region. This includes the addition of 25 new beds at the Lakeview Recovery Community, expanding capacity to 100 beds. These additional beds are specifically intended to support people from the downtown core who are struggling with addiction and seeking recovery. Further capacity is coming soon through the Enoch Cree Nation and Métis Nation recovery communities. The 76-bed recovery community in Enoch is more than 98 per cent complete and the 75-bed facility near Métis Crossing is over 80 per cent complete. Both are expected to open this year.
More services are also underway including transitional beds and the Rapid Access Addiction Medicine Clinic at the Royal Alexandra Hospital and Rapid Response Teams to respond to overdoses in Edmonton’s core.
Enhancing housing and shelter supports
Alberta's government is also strengthening the connection between housing, shelter, mental health and recovery services in Edmonton, helping people move from crisis to stability and recovery. Opened in October 2025, Hope Mission-Herb Jamieson Centre’s 110-bed Hope Health facility provides specialized medical shelter supports for individuals with complex health, mental health and addiction needs, helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments.
Additional investments will expand pathways to recovery with more than 120 new transitional and supportive recovery housing beds opening in 2026. The province is also supporting five specialized recovery housing spaces for individuals living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder who are transitioning out of detoxification and treatment programs.
Increasing access to care
The new Integrated Stabilization Centre is a joint initiative between Edmonton Police Service and Recovery Alberta, and will come online this summer. It will provide a safe facility for people who are publicly intoxicated to be assessed and receive medical care, while serving as a critical connection point with treatment and community-based services.
In addition, the Edmonton Navigation and Support Centre was relocated to a larger, centralized location to serve as a key entry point into the continuum of care, connecting people with housing, shelter, health, recovery and social supports. Seven additional shelter beds will open at the site in summer 2026, providing immediate support while helping individuals access longer-term services.
Alberta's government continues to fund Police and Crisis Team and Human-centered Engagement and Liaison Partnership teams, which work directly with vulnerable individuals experiencing addiction and mental health challenges to help connect them to supports and services and transition into treatment and recovery. The province is also partnering with Hope Mission on their recovery coach program, which strengthen access to care by helping people navigate available services, enter treatment and recovery programs and stay engaged with ongoing supports.
“Edmonton is at the centre of Alberta’s opioid crisis, and we recognize the need to evolve the way we approach community safety. The Integrated Stabilization Centre reflects a coordinated response to addiction, overdose and social disorder, and we are grateful to the Government of Alberta and our community partners for their ongoing support and efforts to make a difference.”
“Partnerships like this are crucial, particularly as we address complex needs in Edmonton. Together we are enhancing our services giving law enforcement and recovery teams additional resources and pathways to help individuals access appropriate care and support.”
In addition to the new and enhanced services and supports in Edmonton, people experiencing mental health or addiction challenges in Edmonton or anywhere in Alberta can call or text 211 Alberta for information on services and supports in their community.
Related information
- Recovery Alberta
- Alberta Recovery Model
- Project progress report on Indigenous recovery communities
- Edmonton Police Service’s Integrated Stabilization Centre video
Related news
- One number for mental health and addiction support (May 5, 2026)
- Recovery community taking shape on Enoch Nation (Sept. 19, 2025)
- Expanding addiction detox capacity in Edmonton (Sept. 16, 2025)
- Improving supports for vulnerable Edmontonians (Aug. 18, 2025)
- Building a recovery community with Métis Nation (Aug. 16, 2024)
- Cabinet task force to tackle Edmonton social issues (Dec. 13, 2022)
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