Alberta’s government is making record investments in mental health and addiction services to support Albertans of all ages in their pursuit of recovery. As part of the Alberta Recovery Model, government has reduced barriers and increased capacity for more people seeking life-saving addiction treatment and recovery. As addiction can impact people of all ages, including youth, Alberta’s government is working to ensure treatment and recovery are available for all Albertans.
To address Alberta’s need of more treatment capacity for youth, the province is developing a new facility for young people, known as the Northern Alberta Youth Recovery Centre. This $23-million investment will support the creation of a 105-bed addiction treatment centre, giving up to 300 youth every year an opportunity to pursue recovery.
Northern Alberta Youth Recovery Centre – Exterior. Design rendering only, subject to change.
“Every Albertan deserves an opportunity to pursue recovery. This is even more true when we think about our children. This investment will have an impact on many youths and their families. It is with facilities like this that youth can overcome the addiction challenges they face, address mental health needs and set themselves up for a future of success.”
“We are proud to be part of this infrastructure project that will assist in the recovery of young Albertans dealing with addiction. The Northern Alberta Youth Recovery Centre will play a crucial role in addressing the mental health and addiction challenges that youth are currently facing in our province, while also creating job opportunities and bolstering the economy.”
“The Northern Alberta Youth Recovery Centre will provide critical support for young Albertans struggling with addiction. By offering a dedicated space for recovery, we can give young people a chance to start fresh at a crucial point in their lives. I am confident this space will make a significant difference for young Albertans by providing the tailored care they need to succeed. Breaking the cycle of recidivism provides hope, which ultimately transforms lives and enhances public safety.”
Northern Alberta Youth Recovery Centre – Interior. Design rendering only, subject to change.
Alberta currently has 70 addiction treatment beds for youth. This expansion will bring that number to 175, more than doubling system capacity. The province is establishing the Northern Alberta Youth Recovery Centre by renovating half of what’s currently the Edmonton Young Offenders Centre, turning it into a treatment centre for youth. Using existing infrastructure reduces the timelines and costs for this new facility, putting the centre on a path to open its doors and accept its first clients in 2026.
Northern Alberta Youth Recovery Centre – Interior. Design rendering only, subject to change.
The Northern Alberta Youth Recovery Centre will be completely separate from the existing corrections facility, with no shared living areas. Significant renovations will create an environment that focusses on community health and wellness, following the model used throughout Alberta’s recovery-oriented system of care. Plans include a separate entrance, refreshing interior design elements, building new clinical, educational and office spaces, and tailoring the units for live-in addiction treatment.
The Northern Alberta Youth Recovery Centre will have some capacity for those given treatment orders under the Protection of Children Abusing Drugs Act (PChAD). PChAD offers a framework that allows a parent or legal guardian to request their child be placed in mandatory detox for up to 15 days.
“Youth struggling with mental health and addiction need to know that a better, brighter future is possible. Combined with prevention and early intervention, the Northern Alberta Youth Recovery Centre will play a key role in the healing journeys of many young people and help end cycles of addiction and abuse.”
During their stay, participants will undergo individual, group and family counselling, and have access to opioid agonist treatment medications and other programs to help improve all aspects of their lives. This includes skills development, relationship building and opportunities to continue education. Parents and caregivers will remain active participants in treatment while youth reside at the centre.
“I am grateful for my recovery. As a youth, I was confused and unable to navigate my addiction myself. With help from a youth designated program, I was able to find hope again.”
“Parents deserve to know that when their child is suffering from addiction, recovery is possible. This investment is a great step for Alberta and will give many more families the hope they need. Parents Empowering Parents is pleased to see Alberta’s government investing in youth and family recovery.”
The province is moving forward with a historic investment of $350 million to build 11 recovery communities for adults. Recovery communities in Red Deer, Lethbridge and Gunn are currently operational, and recovery communities in Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, and in partnership with Blood Tribe, Enoch Cree, Siksika and Tsuut’ina Nations as well as the Métis Nation within Alberta are in various stages of development. Once fully operational, the 11 recovery communities will have the capacity to help more than 2,000 Albertans each year who are over the age of 18.
Quick facts
- Publicly funded addiction and mental health treatment, including services offered at the Northern Alberta Youth Recovery Centre, is free for Albertans.
- Albertans struggling with opioid addiction, including youth, can contact the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program by calling 1-844-383-7688, seven days a week, from 6 a.m. to midnight daily. The Virtual Opioid Dependency Program provides same-day access to addiction medicine specialists. There is no cost and no wait list.
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