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 wasbuilt in 1961, hasout-lived its usefulness. It was originally built as a teacherage and has been modified overthe years to serve as a treatment facility.

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

• VIDEO: Take atour 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.

"Atthe end of the day it's alcohol and drug services, sometimes with people with addiction issuescome 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 doubledto 20 and there will be new, separate facilities for youth.

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

In 2011, theYukon Party promisedto build a new, $5-milliondrug and alcohol treatment centre in downtown Whitehorse,if re-elected.

Friday'sannouncement is for a $21 million facility expected to be completedby the summer of 2016.

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