Aerial view of the site. Google Maps Image from GBHS presentation.
Grey Bruce Health Services is looking for Bruce County Council’s support for its new mental health treatment facility.
The plans for the facility at the site of the former Bayview School in Owen Sound include a treatment centre that’s surrounded by nature and will use proven clinical approaches for treating patients.
The facility will also provide a longer-term residential program that combines treatment and recovery with vocational and recreational activities.
During at presentation at a recent meeting, Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau asked about apparent barriers that are being faced by Indigenous members of the community when they try and seek mental health and addiction treatment, which is in reference to a letter sent from First Nations back in February.
Grey Bruce Health Services President & CEO Gary Sims responded by saying GBHS is already the biggest partner in dealing with the opioid crisis in First Nations communities, as well as the region as a whole.
“We are already the biggest partner. We provide the most service now. Can we do more? Oh yeah. There’s lots to do,” Sims says.
Sims explained that the ongoing need for comprehensive mental health and addictions treatment is why they were working so hard for a new facility that’s centred around those who need treatment, rather than just having a one-size-fits-most approach.
The new centre would include 45 treatment beds and active treatment for those requiring addiction treatment.
It would also offer community programming, including trauma counselling, spiritual care services, and cognitive behavioural therapy.
The total cost of getting space, renovations, and equipment for the new centre is expected to be around $25 million.
Grey Bruce Health Services is looking for a $500,000 commitment from Bruce County.
Council directed staff to prepare a report on funding options for a future meeting.
A GBHS presentation to Grey County Council Thursday requested $1 million.