This release was issued under a previous government.

The 18-bed facility, which will be located at 370 Kipling Street, addresses an identified need in the community and will serve residents from Medicine Hat and throughout south-eastern Alberta.

When completed, this project will assist in reducing the prevalence of addiction, mental health problems and mental illness through health promotion and prevention activities, and to provide quality assessment treatment and support services to Albertans when they need them. 

Construction is expected to start immediately after the space is vacated by the Medicine Hat College in July 2014. Construction of the building will take approximately 12 months with an anticipated opening in late 2015.

“This project is a great example of the work that we are doing through our Building Alberta Plan to meet the current and future needs of Albertans. When this centre is opened, it will improve both access and quality of care to area residents.”  

- Infrastructure Minister Wayne Drysdale

Over the next 10 months a Prime Consultant will be selected, design will be completed and the project will be tendered for construction.  A public open house will be held later this year to inform the community about the project.   

The new facility will include advanced technology, facilitating leading edge treatment and care in the community. The building design will support healing and wellness, and respect the unique needs of Albertans with diverse cultural backgrounds.

“This new facility is about creating connections in communities to prevent, treat and support Albertans who struggle with addictions and mental health issues. This is part of our government’s vision for building communities that promote mental wellness through high-quality, integrated and compassionate addictions programs.”

- Health Minister Fred Horne

Alberta Health Services (AHS) and its partners continue to provide addictions services to Medicine Hat and area residents.  Until the new facility is built, there are a number of addiction programs and services available in Medicine Hat for those who need care. There are also detox facilities in Lethbridge, Calgary, Fort Macleod and Claresholm. 

Under the Building Alberta Plan, our government is investing in families and communities, living within our means, and opening new markets for Alberta's resources to ensure we're able to fund the services Albertans told us matter most to them. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.