NORTH GETS NEW TREATMENT CENTRE

Construction will begin Friday on a new place for addicts in northern
Manitoba to sober up.

John Borody, CEO of the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, said the
province is spending about $9 million to replace Polaris Place -- the
three-story rehabilitation centre in Thompson that sees 700 patients a
year for alcohol, drug and gambling troubles.

The new facility will offer a 26-day live-in program, along with space
for aboriginal ceremonies.

About 70 per cent of the centre's clients are aboriginal. "The main
drug of choice that's problematic in the North is alcohol," Borody
said.

Borody said it's tough to track how many people stay sober since many
communities don't have phones. Some clients come from isolated
communities and struggle to stay on track once they leave.

"I think that's why this program can teach them the skills that they
need to be able to deal with it when they return back to their home,"
Borody said.

The building is slated to open in late 2008.