SURREY TO GET DRUG, ALCOHOL DETOX CENTRE

A new drug and alcohol detox facility is to be built next to Surrey
Memorial Hospital.

The 30-bed Creekside Withdrawal Management Centre will replace the old
25-bed Maple Cottage Detox facility in Burnaby.

The $6.7-million centre, open to men and women, will contain six
dedicated beds for addicted youth. Clients will not need a physician's
referral and they'll be able to stay as long as needed.

Construction is to begin within a month.

"Research has shown that a withdrawal management unit can be the first
critical step in a treatment continuum that can result in improved
health for an individual," said Susan McKela, the manager of health
services, Maple Cottage.

"So we know the improvements realized by this new centre are going to
have a far-reaching impact on many lives."

The centre will also include room for a non-resident "daytox" program,
which is contingent on acquiring additional funding, a second unnamed
program, as well as office space.

PCL Construction will build the centre. Construction should be
completed in a year, with an opening expected in spring 2007.