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NOMC Media Release

Northern Ontario Men's Centre Update

Teen Challenge Canada Announces Closure and Relocation of the Northern Ontario Men’s Centre from Sault Ste. Marie to Sudbury, ON

Sault Ste. Marie, ON – October 11th, 2023 – After 24 years of providing critical rehabilitation services to men struggling with addiction, Teen Challenge Canada announces the decision to close the Northern Ontario Men’s Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, as part of a strategic plan to better address the needs of Northern Ontario communities. The relocation of the centre to Sudbury, ON aims to enhance accessibility and support for individuals battling addiction throughout the region.

Since its establishment in 1999, the Northern Ontario Men’s Centre has played a vital role in aiding hundreds of men on their personal journeys of addiction recovery. Recognizing the limitations and age of the current Centre’s facility / property, and the urgent landscape of addiction across Northern Ontario, it was communicated over six years ago that the centre would be relocated to Sudbury to better serve a larger population and more effectively assist those grappling with addiction across the region.

According to the recent Ontario Coroner’s report released on May 4th, 2023, Northern Ontario communities face a staggering 3-4 times higher risk of drug and alcohol-related deaths compared to the rest of the province.

Teen Challenge Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to providing unwavering support to individuals, families, and communities throughout Northern Ontario who are desperately seeking assistance in their battle against addiction. Glen Smeltzer, CEO of Teen Challenge Canada, expressed, “As part of the relocation plan, we will commence a capital campaign to build our new Northern Ontario Men’s Centre just outside of Sudbury on Vermillion Lake. This purpose-built facility, equipped to accommodate future growth, will ensure that we deliver the highest level of care and support to individuals on their path to recovery.”

The urgent need for expanded addiction support services has driven Teen Challenge Canada to make this difficult decision. By relocating the Northern Ontario Men’s Centre and constructing this new facility, Teen Challenge aims to strengthen its ability to serve the region and provide effective, comprehensive care to those facing addiction challenges.

To maintain a local presence and assist those in need of addiction resources, Teen Challenge Canada has recently launched the Addiction Recovery Office (ARO) in Sudbury. The ARO will serve as a vital hub, connecting individuals and families with the necessary resources and support, across Northern Ontario, for their journey towards recovery. Matthew Barbour, Director of Centre Operations, Teen Challenge Canada, explained, “Located within The Samaritan Centre at 344 Elgin Street in Sudbury, Ontario, the ARO will provide critical assistance and guidance to individuals navigating the diverse range of services and options available for addiction recovery across Northern Ontario.”

Teen Challenge Canada acknowledges the significance of collaboration and partnership in addressing addiction- related challenges and is proud to cooperate with The Samaritan Centre to deliver comprehensive addiction recovery support to those in need.

Teen Challenge Canada expresses heartfelt appreciation to the community of Sault Ste. Marie, ON for their support and cooperation over the past 24 years. “We are grateful for the partnerships we have formed and the impact we have achieved together. We invite all interested parties to stay updated on our progress as we work towards the construction of the new Northern Ontario Men’s Centre. Together, we can continue making a positive impact on the lives of those affected by addiction in Northern Ontario,” adds Glen Smeltzer.

For more information on the ministry of Teen Challenge Canada, please visit www.teenchallenge.ca.

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For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Brent Campbell
Director of Marketing & Communication, Teen Challenge Canada
brent.campbell@teenchallenge.ca • (519) 652-7338