Prince Albert gets 21 new sober living spaces

Twenty-one new sober living spaces have opened in Prince Albert to help people recovering from addiction.

The spaces are located in four homes throughout the city and are meant for those who have completed treatment but still need support.

According to the province, the project is a partnership between the provincial government, Oxford House Saskatchewan and the City of Prince Albert.

“These homes are designed to meet individuals where they are at in their recovery journey, offering ongoing support and a safe, affordable place to help them transition to independence,” Social Services Minister Terry Jenson said in a news release Wednesday.

The province says the spaces are open to both men and women and focus on preventing relapse through counselling and connections to community and culture.

“Post-treatment spaces provide stability, community and continued support for those transitioning to recovery,” Mental Health and Addictions Minister Lori Carr said.

“These new spaces help people access supports while living as independently as possible and preparing for a safe return to their communities.”

• Get the latest news from Saskatoon, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

The province says the Ministry of Social Services has invested $900,000 through the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation to buy and renovate the homes. The Ministry of Health is also providing $239,000 annually to support services.

Additional funding includes more than $507,000 from Oxford House Saskatchewan and $90,000 from the City of Prince Albert.

Mayor Bill Powalinsky says the new spaces will help people heal and recover.

“Providing safe, sober housing alongside peer-led recovery supports helps individuals heal not only physically, but also emotionally and psychologically. I am pleased to see more transitional housing options becoming available in our community,” Powalinsky said.

The new homes are part of the province’s plan to add 500 addiction treatment spaces by March 2027. So far, 333 spaces are available across Saskatchewan.