16-agency hub touted for former remand centre
Plan would turn empty space downtown into bustling community services nexus
A $93-million plan could see the empty downtown remand centre redeveloped into a comprehensive wellness centre for Edmonton’s most vulnerable.
“What we’re envisaging there is a partnership of 16 agencies, nonprofit and government and private sector (coming) together to deliver collaborative services — and integrated. Not just separate and co-located, but to work together,” Julian Daly, executive director of Boyle Street Community Services, said after a presentation Thursday to the Edmonton Police Commission.
The plan would see the former remand centre, largely unused since it was shuttered in April 2013, offering everything from primary health care, mental health services, addiction services and detox services to housing, employment services, daycare and laundry services.
“The chances of people accessing services if they are all in one place are hugely increased, we know that, and in doing so the health outcomes would no doubt be improved,” Daly said.
A business case has already been sent to the provincial government with the expectation that it would be a primary investor in the project. Daly said the project would need $70 million in government investment.
He is hopeful for support from both the provincial and federal governments and would make up the other $23 million through fund-raising and contributions from partnering organizations.
“The need is clearly urgent,” Daly said. “Our building is packed. We’ve literally run out of seats in our drop-in.”
By repurposing the former remand centre, Daly says they could shave one year off construction and as much as 25 per cent in cost, compared to constructing a new facility from scratch.
“There is a huge social value to this collaboration … but also economic value, too. This centre conservatively would save $5 million per year, and would pay for itself in less than 15 years,” Daly said.
One of the features would be a safe sobering site, where inebriated troublemakers could be taken off the street and held until they are sober, next to longer-term treatment services.
Edmonton police Chief Rod Knecht said the proposal matches what the force has been calling for during the last five years: a place offering wraparound services for vulnerable people, specifically those suffering from addictions to drugs or alcohol who otherwise could needlessly be caught up in the justice system.
This centre conservatively would save $5 million per year, and would pay for itself in less than 15 years.