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- calendar_today October 30, 2026
Detox Centre Opens in Vanderhoof
A new five-bed detox centre has opened its doors in Vanderhoof, marking a significant step toward expanding addiction treatment and recovery services in northern B.C. The centre is operated by Carrier Sekani Family Services and aims to address a critical shortage of treatment beds in the region.
24/7 Medical Withdrawal Support
The detox centre will provide round-the-clock medical withdrawal management and wrap-around support. These services are designed to help people withdraw from substances in a safe, supportive environment as they begin their healing journey. "There's a limited number of beds in the north and so it's very badly needed," said Travis Holyk, chief administrative officer for Carrier Sekani Family Services.
Preparations for a Larger Facility at Tachick Lake
The opening of the Vanderhoof detox centre allows Carrier Sekani Family Services to build and train a team as construction nears completion at a much larger treatment facility at nearby Tachick Lake, approximately 25 kilometres southwest of Vanderhoof. The Tachick Lake Healing Centre, years in the making, will soon offer substantial new capacity: ten beds for medical detox and 36 beds for culturally grounded land-based healing. Planned amenities include gardens, greenhouses, smokehouses, an outdoor kitchen, and workshop space.
"People could potentially transition from the detox side over to the healing side," Holyk noted. "But that's not necessarily the case, we'll work with them to get them the services they need wherever they are in the province."
Broader Context: Need for Expanded Addiction Recovery Services
Northern B.C. faces some of the province's most acute challenges related to addiction. According to the B.C. Coroners Service, northern B.C. currently has the highest rate of unregulated drug deaths in the province at 48.5 deaths per 100,000 people, compared to 27.5 per 100,000 provincially so far this year.
Responding to this crisis, government initiatives are underway. In June, a 72-bed treatment centre was announced for Prince George to support people with severe addiction and concurrent mental health challenges. The province's Conservative government has stated it will expand detoxification, clinical treatment, recovery housing, and aftercare, with a focus on building regional capacity for rural and northern communities.
Culturally Grounded Healing
Holyk emphasized that detox is typically five to seven days, but the residential programming at the Tachick Lake Healing Centre will follow a longer-term approach. "We know that detox is only one part of someone's healing journey," Holyk said. "With the program intended to be culturally grounded, we really see if that is the first step for people who are ready to seek help." The Tachick Lake facility will provide extended programming, counselling, and services to support reintegration into the community.
Construction at Tachick Lake is expected to finish around February or March, with occupancy anticipated in the fall of 2027.
Looking Ahead
The opening of the Vanderhoof detox centre and the upcoming Tachick Lake Healing Centre signify a concerted effort to expand vital treatment beds and comprehensive recovery services in northern B.C., rooted in the region’s cultural context and urgent public health needs.
Source: cbc.ca.
