The development of a detox centre in Belleville remains in the the early stages but it will not be run by the city.
While the city has provided funding to ‘The Bridge’ for the purchase of the former Banquet Centre property to set up programs and supports for the vulnerable community, Premier Doug Ford previously said the province’s Ministry of Health would work with the city to provide funding for a detox centre to further help deal with the addictions crisis.
During Monday’s meeting of council, Mayor Neil Ellis said they’ve met with representatives of a private company that builds and operates detox centres in Ontario.
“The city’s not partnering with anybody. We won’t have any involvement in running the centre or any costs associated with it. The minister says it’s going to be a continuum of care plan.”
Ellis also said that means a detox centre will only work as part of a larger system that includes the supports of the planned Bridge hub and more housing.
“The successes of these centres are totally high success if there is housing after being in the detox. The detox stay is between one and two years, is what the model will be, and from there they will have counselling, wrap-around services and then they’ll have them follow them out to the community.”
Ellis added while they are still working with the province to ensure a financial commitment, they’re also working with the company to find a location.
“Their ideal location would be something that’s already built. They were in for about a week but couldn’t find a suitable building that was for sale in, around that. So the next step would be to find land and build it, but if there’s a building that comes up in the interim that would fit, then they would do that rather than have a one- to two-year build.”
Currently, a group representing local social service agencies, Public Health, and Quinte Health are developing a care model for Belleville and region and will be submitting the model to the Ministry of Health in early April.
