Yukon to build new $21 million detox centre

Construction will begin this spring on a new detox centre to replace the current one on sixth avenue in downtown Whitehorse.

Mike Nixon, Yukon's health and social services minister, says the Sarah Steele Building, which was built in 1961, has out-lived its usefulness. It was originally built as a teacherage and has been modified over the years to serve as a treatment facility. 

The centre provides a safe environment for people withdrawing from alcohol or other substances. 

• VIDEO: Take a tour of the Sarah Steele building in Whitehorse. (Runs 2:30)  

Nixon says the new facility will allow for collaboration with other health and social services.

"At the end of the day it's alcohol and drug services, sometimes with people with addiction issues come mental health issues, so that might be an opportunity where we can address both concurrently."

"The specifics of some of the programming will come out over the next year," he adds. 

The number of beds at the new centre will be doubled to 20 and there will be new, separate facilities for youth.

Nixon says the expansion will allow the centre to run simultaneous programs for men and women.

In 2011, the Yukon Party promised to build a new, $5-million drug and alcohol treatment centre in downtown Whitehorse, if re-elected. 

Friday's announcement is for a $21 million facility expected to be completed by the summer of 2016. 

It will be built behind the existing building to allow for a continuation of programming.