Grey County commits $1 million to Wellness and Recovery Centre

Grey County Council has committed $1 million over five years in support of the Grey Bruce Health Services Mental Health Wellness and Recovery Centre in Owen Sound. Council approved the motion at a meeting on July 27, directing staff to provide the first installment payment in 2023.  Grey Bruce Health Services made the request to Grey County Council on April 23.

“Across Grey County we continue to see the impact opioids and other drugs have on our communities, our healthcare services, and our families. The increase in overdoses in recent years is staggering,” said Grey County Warden Brian Milne. “The Wellness and Recovery Centre will be an invaluable support for those seeking help.”

The commitment from Council was made during a session of committee of the whole. The decision will be formalized with approval of the minutes at the next meeting of Grey County Council on August 10.

Grey Bruce Health Services is converting the former Bayview School in Owen Sound into a treatment centre for individuals recovering from addiction. The centre will provide clinical services, community programming, and accommodations for guest, all in one building. The facility will support up to 45 patients at a time.

The total cost to build the centre is estimated at $25 million. Grey Bruce Health Services and the province are committing $10 million towards construction of the centre and the province has committed necessary operating funds. The community fundraising target for the facility is $15 million.

“Grey Bruce Health Services is extremely grateful for the generous financial support from Grey County Council for the new Mental Health Wellness and Recovery Centre,” said Gary Sims, President and CEO of Grey Bruce Health Services. “We appreciate their understanding of the fact that the services provided at the centre will make a positive difference in the lives of so many individuals and families in our communities.”   

More information about the Mental Health Wellness and Recovery Centre can be found on the Grey Bruce Health Services website at www.gbhs.on.ca.

Grey County follows a Health Care Funding Policy.  This policy outlines rationale for where municipal funding should be used and criteria for eligibility.

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For media inquiries contact Rob Hatten, communications manager, at rob.hatten [at] grey.ca (rob[dot]hatten[at]grey[dot]ca) or call 519-373-1592.