The Lethbridge Recovery Community held its grand opening ceremony on Thursday, September 21, 2023. (Photo: LNN)

By Christian Oldale

Lethbridge Recovery Community officially opens doors

Sep 21, 2023 | 12:25 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge’s new recovery community opened its doors this week.

The Lethbridge Recovery Community held its grand opening ceremony on Thursday, September 21, 2023. Construction on the facility broke ground in May 2022.

READ MORE: Construction starts on Lethbridge Recovery Community facility

The ceremony celebrating the opening of the 50-bed facility began with a Blackfoot prayer, followed by speeches and a ribbon cutting.

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Nathan Neudorf, MLA for Lethbridge-East said, “For years, our community has watched the devastating impacts of addiction. This new facility shows the dedication our government has to supporting compassionate recovery in Lethbridge, and I am proud to welcome this service to southern Alberta.”

The centre is running from a $19 million capital investment, and aims to provide long-term addiction treatment for up to 200 people each year. Operation of the facility is fully funded by the Government of Alberta, at $3.4 million each year.

The facility includes features like a gym, living room area and large community kitchen.

Kitchen and dining area at Lethbridge Recovery Community. (Photo: LNN)

Living room at Lethbridge Recovery Community. (Photo: LNN)

Gym at Lethbridge Recovery Community. (Photo: LNN)

Room at the Lethbridge Recovery Community. (Photo: LNN)

The Lethbridge Recovery Community is operated by the Fresh Start Recovery Centre, a non-profit that specializes in addiction treatment.

Clients of the community have access to treatment medications, counseling, employment and more, without a fee.

Bruce Holstead, executive director of Fresh Start Recovery Centre said, “Recently welcoming our first clients to the Lethbridge Recovery Community brings reality to how important this facility is. Our team is proud to offer support to those seeking recovery and help in rebuilding their lives.”

The Lethbridge site is the second recovery community to open its doors in Alberta, after one opened in Red Deer in May. Nine more recovery communities are planned, or are currently under construction across the province.

READ MORE: Lethbridge Recovery Community set to open later this year

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