The Strathcona Regional District is moving ahead with plans for a proposed men’s treatment and recovery centre in Campbell River.
At its Oct. 28 meeting, the regional district board directed staff to prepare bylaws to establish the service and authorize borrowing of up to $10 million for construction.
The proposed centre would help address gaps in regional health care services by providing men with access to treatment, recovery programs and supportive housing.
“Access to treatment and recovery services can be life-changing, not only for individuals but also for their families and communities,” said SRD board chair Mark Baker. “We recognize the need for more recovery options in our region, and this is an important step toward exploring a facility that provides men with the support they need to rebuild their lives.”
Baker noted that there is still significant work ahead and that the SRD is committed to working with partners to find a sustainable way forward.
The initiative builds on a decision made by the board in December 2025 to explore the feasibility of expanded recovery services and supportive housing for adult men in Campbell River.
The Together We Can Drug & Alcohol Recovery & Education Society completed an assessment of existing services, community needs and potential development and operating models.
The society’s findings support a proposed 24-bed treatment and stabilization facility, along with supportive recovery housing for up to 24 additional residents.
“The findings support a proposed 24-bed treatment and stabilization facility, complemented by supportive recovery housing for up to 24 additional residents,” said a release from the SRD. “At full development, the centre could accommodate up to 48 individuals, providing a more complete pathway from initial treatment through to longer-term recovery support.”
The SRD said the project remains in the preliminary planning stages. Further work is needed to determine a suitable location, facility design, construction and operating costs, funding arrangements and service-delivery partnerships.
The proposed bylaws will also require approval before the project can proceed.
