News release

Premier, Ministers Celebrate Construction Start for Secure Care Facility

Community Services

COMMUNITY SERVICES--Premier, Ministers Celebrate Construction Start for Secure Care Facility


Construction of the province's new secure care facility officially got underway today with a sod-turning ceremony at the site in Truro.

Prior to the sod-turning, Premier John Hamm and Community Services Minister Peter Christie unveiled a sign bearing the facility's name -- Wood Street Centre.

"We are honouring our commitment to provide care for young Nova Scotians with emotional and behavioural problems and to provide it right here in their home province. Right now, all children and youth who need this type of specialized care are sent to facilities outside Nova Scotia. The Wood Street Centre will change that. Good care, close to home, is a winning formula," said Premier Hamm.

Secure care is a program to help stabilize children with problems, so they can eventually return to their communities. Keeping Nova Scotia's children and youth close to their families and home communities is crucial to ensuring successful care.

"Over the years, the people of Truro have earned a reputation as understanding hosts for facilities that deal with troubled children and youth. Through your understanding and support, that tradition will continue at the Wood Street Centre," said Mr. Christie.

Health Minister Jamie Muir was also enthusiastic about the new facility.

"It will be wonderful to have this option for our children and youth in Nova Scotia who need it. The central location will mean better access from all parts of the province. The fact that it will be built by a local firm, L and R Construction, is great news for this area," said Mr. Muir.

Wood Street Centre is being built on provincially owned lands at the top of Wood Street in Truro.

When the facility is open it will employ more than 30 people, many of them highly trained in the type of specialized care provided in the secure care program.

Public consultations were held with the local community throughout the process leading to construction. The premier and ministers thanked those who turned out for the public meetings held to discuss the project. They said the public's interest in secure care allowed government to develop the facility as a part of the community.

Truro Mayor Bill Mills welcomed the Wood Street Centre.

"With Truro's history of caring for troubled youth, the Wood Street Centre is a natural fit for this community. Members of council and I and many of our citizens agreed and worked co- operatively with the province to move the project forward," said the mayor.

Construction costs are estimated at $4 million. The centre is scheduled to open next spring.