Over the past five years, Alberta’s government has been working to establish the Alberta Recovery Model, a system of care focused on supporting people suffering from addiction or mental health challenges in their pursuit of recovery. With this model, Alberta has removed user fees for treatment, increased treatment capacity by more than 55 per cent, and pioneered a program to support same-day access to evidence-based treatment medication.
A key focus of the Alberta Recovery Model is continuing to build capacity for long-term treatment, which supports people throughout their lives in becoming productive members of society with a life free from addiction. To do this, Alberta’s government is building 11 recovery communities, which are world-class facilities that provide treatment for up to one year.
The Alberta Recovery Model ensures people can fully overcome their addiction and learn how to live in recovery. With an investment of up to $35 million, Alberta’s government is building a recovery community in Grande Prairie to serve northern Alberta with more access to life-saving addiction treatment.
“Our government is proud to invest in treatment and recovery as it is the most compassionate, dignified approach in supporting people suffering from the disease of addiction. I look forward to seeing the positive change in northern Alberta as families are reunited and healed from the pain caused by addiction.”
“Building the new recovery community in Grande Prairie will provide crucial access to addiction and mental health supports for northern Albertans. We are committed to delivering public infrastructure to accommodate recovery communities where and when they are needed.”
The Grande Prairie Recovery Community will provide 50 long-term treatment beds where clients can stay up to one year, accessing counselling, opioid agonist treatment medications and programs that help improve all aspects of their lives – from skills development and relationship building to employment, financial and housing supports. As part of a commitment to removing barriers to care, this treatment is free for all Albertans.
“Every Albertan is valuable. Through this Recovery Community, we are making a strong statement that we will support the recovery of those caught in addiction. With Grande Prairie being the cornerstone of the northwest, this facility will be a beacon of hope and compassion for those caught in addiction and their loved ones.”
“I’m excited by this announcement. This center is another avenue in our region that will give life-saving support and a chance for recovery to individuals experiencing a cycle of addiction, bringing hope for them, their families and community.”
“As the MLA for Central Peace, I am proud to support the Grande Prairie Recovery Community. This facility offers addiction treatment and rehabilitation services. It's great to see this kind of treatment center in the Peace Region, fostering a healthier and stronger community.”
Recovery communities in Lethbridge and Red Deer opened their doors last year. Other Recovery Communities are underway for the Blood Tribe, Calgary, Edmonton, Enoch Cree Nation, Gunn, Siksika Nation, Tsuut’ina Nation and one more location to be announced. Construction of the Grande Prairie Recovery Community is expected to be complete by early 2027 and accepting first clients shortly thereafter.
“The County of Grande Prairie extends heartfelt appreciation to the provincial government for establishing the Grande Prairie Recovery Community facility which will provide a vital service in northern Alberta. Our county is committed to fostering community wellness and safety by being collaborative partners in the development and delivery of vital programs and activities. We are confident this facility will change the lives of not only those who are seeking to overcome addiction and live in recovery, but entire families who feel the effects of this disease.”
“The City of Grande Prairie is thankful for today’s announcement on the Grande Prairie Recovery Community. The announcement is a welcomed opportunity to support ongoing efforts to address addictions and mental health locally and aligns with City Council’s strategic priority of quality of life by supporting a safe, healthy and vibrant community for all residents.”
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. This includes adding more than 10,000 new, publicly funded addiction treatment spaces, eliminating fees for publicly funded live-in addiction treatment, and expanding access to the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program, which provides same-day access to life-saving treatment medication.
Quick facts
- Albertans struggling with opioid addiction can contact the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program by calling 1-844-383-7688, seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Virtual Opioid Dependency Program provides same-day access to addiction medicine specialists. There is no wait list.
Related information
Related news
- Opening doors to recovery in southern Alberta (Sep. 21, 2023)
- Breaking ground on Blood Tribe Recovery Community (July 19, 2023)
- Building a recovery community with Siksika Nation (July 6, 2023)
- Building a recovery community with Tsuut’ina Nation (July 5, 2023)
- Building a recovery community with Enoch Cree Nation (April 24, 2023)