Teen Challenge addiction centre approved in St. John's
CBC News | Posted: January 26, 2016 6:23 PM | Last Updated: January 26, 2016
After three attempts, a group that wants to build an addictions centre at the site of the former Circle Square Ranch in St. John's has had its application approved by city council.
- Teen Challenge makes 3rd attempt to set up addiction centre in St. John's
- Teen Challenge to St. John's council: open addictions centre to save women
City councilors voted Monday to approve the latest application from Teen Challenge Canada to establish the Atlantic Hope Women's Centre just off Fowler's Road, not far from the Chamberlains area of Conception Bay South.
"We are absolutely delighted with this decision, as it brings us closer to opening a much-needed addiction rehabilitation centre for women in this province, and throughout the Atlantic Region," Dan Murray, CEO of Teen Challenge Canada, said in a statement.
Previous proposals for the 24-bed centre, aimed at women over 18 trying to overcome substance abuse problems, were rejected.
The city's main concern was that the road was not adequate for fire and emergency vehicles and city officials said St. John's wouldn't pay for a private road to the facility.
Teen Challenge said it has agreed to meet the city's requirements and upgrade Fowler's Road, at a cost of more than $1-million.
The group has purchased 132 acres and will use 30 acres for the treatment centre.
'Centre needs to be opened very badly'
Teen Challenge asked that the land be rezoned for institutional use, but council agreed only to a conditional use for the group home.
"We are for sure one step closer and have cleared the biggest hurdle … but the biggest part of construction is the upgrading of the road," said Glenn Barnes, consulting architect with Teen Challenge Canada.
Although the group said it will not require any municipal or provincial funding to set up the centre, because money will come mainly from private sponsors, it will be fundraising to cover operational costs and upgrades to the road.
For final approval, two public meetings will be held regarding the proposal and the provincial government will need to sign off on the amendment made to zoning but the group hopes to start construction this summer.
"The centre needs to be opened very badly because every year we're not open, there's 25 women whose lives are in peril because they don't have a centre to help rehabilitate them and get them back into mainstream society," said Barnes.