(Campbell River, BC) – The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) Board is taking the next step toward expanding addiction treatment and recovery services throughout the region, directing staff to prepare the necessary bylaws to advance a proposed Men's Treatment and Recovery Centre in Campbell River. The proposed centre would help address a gap in regional healthcare services by providing men with greater access to treatments, recovery programs and supportive housing closer to home, family and community.
At its October 28 meeting, the Board directed staff to prepare a service establishing bylaw and a loan authorization bylaw, marking an important step toward advancing the proposed centre. While the project remains in the early planning stages, this decision allows the SRD to move forward with exploring funding opportunities, developing partnerships and refining plans for the proposed facility.
"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. There is still significant work ahead, but we are committed to working with our partners to find a sustainable way forward."
The initiative builds on the Board’s December 2025 direction to explore the feasibility of expanded residential recovery services and supportive housing for adult men in Campbell River.
A subsequent needs assessment, completed by the Together We Can Drug & Alcohol Recovery & Education Society, examined existing services, community needs and potential development and operating models. The findings support a proposed 24-bed treatment and stabilization facility, complemented by supportive recovery housing for up to 24 additional residents. 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 project is envisioned as a collaborative initiative involving multiple levels of government, healthcare organizations, community partners and the private sector. The City of Campbell River has expressed its willingness to work with the SRD and explore opportunities to support the development, including the potential use of City-owned property. Building on the SRD's recent experience delivering the Just Like Home Lodge and Health Professional Housing project, the proposed approach would seek development partners, grants, donations and other contributions to support construction and reduce the financial burden on local taxpayers.
Long-term operational sustainability will be an important focus as the project advances. Preliminary feasibility work identified a potential self-sustaining operating model, which will be further explored through partnerships with the Province of British Columbia, Island Health, local First Nations, Indigenous health organizations and experienced service providers. These partnerships will be essential to developing a financially sustainable approach that meets regional treatment and recovery needs.
The project remains in the preliminary planning stages. Further work is required to confirm a suitable location, facility design, construction and operating costs, funding arrangements and service delivery partnerships. The proposed bylaws will also be subject to the necessary approval processes before the project can proceed.
The Board's direction represents an important step toward exploring a regional treatment and recovery facility that could improve access to healthcare services and provide lasting benefits for individuals, families and communities throughout the Strathcona region.
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Media Contact
Sheena Fisher, SRD Manager of Strategic Initiatives 250-830-6711 | sfisher@srd.ca