The first clients are embarking on their journey towards wellness at The Crossing in Keremeos.

“I’m honoured to help mark this important milestone — the official opening of The Crossing in Keremeos — but also to recognize the remarkable vision and commitment of the donors, partners and volunteers who helped move this project from dream to reality,” said Boundary-Similkameen MLA John Slater, who attended the event on behalf of Minister of Health Services Kevin Falcon.

“With their support, this facility will provide treatment and hope for young people from across our province.”

The Crossing at Keremeos fulfils a long-held promise to help young people with alcohol and drug problems transform their lives and reunite with their families and their communities. Youth referred to the program can stay up to a year and will receive individual and group therapy and access to high school and vocational courses.

The 42-bed facility, set on a 58-acre site approximately 10 kilometres from Keremeos, was built with a collaboration between the province, Vancouver Coastal Health, Fraser Health and the Central City Foundation.

The property is owned by Central City Foundation who are leasing it to the health authorities at no cost. The Portage Program for Drug Dependencies will run The Crossing. Portage is a Montreal-based non-profit and a recognized leader in residential addiction treatment.

The Crossing will operate with $2.4 million in annual funding from the two health authorities and Interior Health will provide urgent or emergent medical services required by the residents of the facility.