New recovery program opens in View Royal, expanding treatment options for women

The New Roads Therapeutic Recovery Community is seen in View Royal.

New Roads Therapeutic Recovery Community has expanded programming with a wing to care for women, two-spirit and gender-diverse people who’ve experienced long-standing challenges with addiction, incarceration and housing instability.

B.C.’s health minister celebrated the launch Wednesday afternoon, joined by regional mayors and representatives of the Canadian Mental Health Association at the site on Talcott Road.

“We have received some really beautiful feedback from some of the centres first women – and they call themselves ‘the first ladies,” Josie Osborne said.

“One woman said. ‘I like that it’s only for women. It feels safer for me due to my trauma.’ Another remarked, ‘I wanted a program that was long so I wouldn’t be rushed.’”

The 20-bed facility is run by Our Place Society. Clients can stay for up to two years to help break the cycle of addiction – which is similar to a men’s program on a separate part of the property.

The wing for the women’s site was initially forecast to open last summer.