WELLNESS CENTRE NEEDS HELP TO GROW

A much-needed expansion to the addictions treatment centre is slated
to open in July. But there is one glitch.

"We're in desperate need of tradesmen. We really, really need an
electrician," Ktunaxa/Kinbasket Wellness Centre operations manager
Delena Tikk said on Monday.

Since 1977, an addictions facility has operated on the Lower Kootenay
Band reserve, treating about 124 people a year in its programs.
Recently, the centre purchased the former Rising Sun Guest Ranch in
Lister and renovations are underway. Hence the need for tradesmen.

The 22-acre ranch will provide an overdue boost to the centre's
programs, which have been housed in a building badly needing
replacing. Grants of $50,000 each from the Vancouver Foundation and
Real Estate Foundation of BC enabled the centre to put a down payment
on the ranch, where future plans include agricultural and
horticultural training programs to help those completing wellness
centre programs to become employable.

Purchasing property off the reserve led to some unexpected hurdles,
Tikk explained.

"First, we learned that there are restrictions on development because
its in the agricultural land reserve," she said. "Then, because it
isn't on the reserve, the facility has to be inspected by a licensing
officer with the Interior Health Authority."

The idyllic setting near the golf course includes a building with
four suites and a home that will be converted to administration and
counsellors' offices, kitchen and dining facilities and group meeting
areas. As well, a suite is being converted to accommodate elders who
visit the centre to impart their wisdom on residents in recovery.

With 22 acres, the new centre will have ample room to expand its
programs and provide a rural setting for those in recovery and
after-care programs. The new location will enable the centre to add a
12-week crystal meth program to its usual six-week drug and alcohol programs.

But it's the post-recovery programs that Tikk said centre staff are
really enthusiastic about. The wellness centre is partnering with
local organizations such as the College of the Rockies and Kootenay
Employment Services to create training programs that will include
education upgrading, horticulture and trades. Included will be skills
training like writing resumes, job searching and generating self-employment.

"Donna Carlyle (KES) and Rand Archibald (COTR) have been incredibly
supportive and helpful," Tikk said.

She added that community support has also been strong.

"The Creston-Kootenay Foundation donated money to purchase new beds
and Wynndel Box and Lumber has offered to donate some lumber for our
construction projects. We'd really like to have an old-fashioned
barn-raising when we construct a new building."

First things first, though, and Tikk re-emphasized her plea for a
qualified electrician.

"Maybe there is a retired electrician who has recently moved to the
area who could help us out, or maybe there is someone we just don't
know about. Please give me a phone call at 428-5516 if you can help."