‘Deplorable’ Saint John, N.B., addiction treatment centre set for upgrades

Chipped paint, rusted holes and decrepit windows can be seen at Ridgewood Addiction Services. New funding announced Monday aims to rid the facility of its deficiencies.

Built over 75 years ago, units at Ridgewood Addiction Services in Saint John are riddled with rusty holes, chipped paint and decrepit windows – and that’s only the exterior.

However, the aging facility is set to receive $3.8 million in refurbishments and upgrades through a combined investment by the provincial government, Horizon Health Network and the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation, announced on Monday.

Each stakeholder has committed to contributing $1.27 million.

Health Minister Bruce Fitch allowed his predecessor, Minister of Social Development Dorothy Shephard, to announce the funding, stating she worked hard to make it happen.

“It is partnerships like these between levels of government and the community that can bring about much-needed change and better services to support those who need it,” Shephard said at her first announcement since being ousted from the health file.

The funds will overhaul three facilities currently used to deliver critical detoxification and rehabilitation programs. Currently, clients using these services are forced to stay in shared spaces or pod systems.

“The feedback I’ve received from my colleagues has consistently reported that the physical environment is not welcoming and the state of the building is deplorable and that makes them feel less than adequate,” said Fitch.

According to Jean Daigle, the vice-president community at Horizon Health Network, once refurbished, the buildings will be modernized, including private rooms and therapy rooms.