YOUTH DRUG ADDICTION CENTRE IN WEST CARLETON?

Health Network Looks to Create 15-Bed Facility

A long-awaited treatment centre for children hooked on drugs may soon
set up shop a few kilometers outside Kanata north.

The Champlain Local Health Integration Network is looking at taking
over the Meadow Creek adult addiction centre, currently used by the
Royal Ottawa Health Care Group, which plans to move out of the
building this summer.

"We have identified a potential site at Meadow Creek and discussion is
underway with the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group," said Dr. Robert
Cushman, CEO of the Champlain health network. "While we cannot be
certain this is the ultimate location, we are certainly
optimistic."

Dr. Cushman has "expressed an interest in the property," said Sue
Riley, spokesperson for the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group.

He is negotiating either leasing or purchasing the land and building
from the Royal Ottawa, said Riley, adding that nothing has been signed
yet.

"There's a variety of options on the table but nothing's been
confirmed," she said. Meadow Creek is located behind the Thunderbird
Sports Centre, on Richardson Road in West Carleton.

The local health network met on Wednesday, May 28, to discuss plans to
create two residential drug treatment centres for youth - a 15-bed
residential building in the west end and a five-bed facility for
French speaking youth in the city's east end.

"This is great news quite frankly," said West Carleton-March Coun. Eli
El-Chantiry. "This is almost like having a hospital. I think it's a
great area."

El-Chantiry said Mayor Larry O'Brien and Ottawa police chief Vernon
White are committed to raising money for the project.

"We need greater than 20 beds," said El- Chantiry.

The need for the facilities is clear, he added, with the nearest
treatment program for children under 16 located in Thunder Bay.

"We don't want kids that far away from home," he said.

Kanata North Coun. Marianne Wilkinson said the Meadow Creek building
is a good location for a youth treatment centre.

"These kids need help," she said.

"They're not dangerous or anything."

The Champlain health network estimates it will cost over $2 million a
year to operate the treatment centres; it didn't provide any estimates
for leasing or buying land.