The federal government supports construction of supportive housing for individuals recovering from addiction and homelessness

POUCE COUPE, BC, June 19, 2025 /CNW/ - Solving Canada's housing crisis requires immediate action to address the urgent needs of Canadians. To provide Canadians with increased access to supportive housing, the government today announced an investment of $3 million to expand the North Wind Wellness Centre (NWWC) in Pouce Coupe from 10 beds to 15 beds for addiction treatment and 40 units of supportive housing.

The project will provide five early recovery beds, 15 beds in addiction treatment housing, and 40 self-contained supportive homes. The facility will also include The Junction, a recovery-based community centre at the heart of the complex that will serve as a resource hub for those in treatment.

The NWWC will deliver a full continuum of addictions recovery services, combining detox, early recovery housing, treatment, and supportive housing through the Addictions Recovery Community Housing (ARCH) model. This model combines First Nations healing traditions with western medicine practices, including coordinated access, live-in treatment supports, and post-recovery supports.

Funding provided for this housing project includes:

• $3 million from the federal government, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation under the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF)
• $19.8 million from the Province through BC Housing's Supportive Housing Fund (SHF) and $1.2 million in annual operating funding.
• $12 million from a Tripartite investment made by BC Ministry of Health, the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), and the federal government through Indigenous Services Canada
• $4 million from the Northern Health Authority
• Up to $1 million from the North Wind Wellness Centre through a combination of funding and land contribution
• $800,000 from the Streetohome Foundation
• $800,000 from the Streetohome Foundation

Other community support was provided by the Treaty 8 Tribal Association, the Peace River Regional District and the Village of Pouce Coupe.

Quotes:

"Our government is committed to supporting housing for the most vulnerable Canadians. Working with organizations such as the North Wind Wellness Centre ensures that individuals have access to the safe and supportive housing they need on their journey to recovery." –  Jake Sawatzky, Member of Parliament for New Westminster—Burnaby—Maillardville, on behalf of The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure

"This groundbreaking marks a meaningful step forward in building a more inclusive and culturally safe health-care system. The North Wind Wellness Centre will provide vital, comprehensive support for people on their healing journey, closer to home and community. The North Wind Wellness Centre will provide vital, comprehensive support for people on their healing journey, closer to home and community. It's a powerful example of how we can work together to build services that are rooted in community and focused on wellness." – The Honourable Josie Osborne, Minister of Health for British Columbia

"At the North Wind Wellness Centre, people near and around Pouce Couple will be able to get the care and housing they need locally, in the community they know. The centre offers stable, safe homes and continued support after treatment, helping people build a foundation for a healthier life. At the same time, cutting-edge care and services will honour and deepen connections to family, First Nations culture and community." – The Honourable Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing for British Columbia

"Too many people in rural and Indigenous communities face barriers to accessing appropriate addiction care. By building a centre that blends traditional Indigenous wellness with clinical supports, we are helping people heal in a place that feels like home, close to culture, community and care." – Amna Shah, Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health and Addictions for British Columbia

"With the generous support of our funders, the NWWC is proud to establish Canada's first Health and Wellness Centre, pioneering an innovative approach that unites the full continuum of care under one roof with the ARCH model. This integrated model combines withdrawal management, addiction treatment, and assisted recovery housing, providing comprehensive support for individuals on their healing journey. The Northeast Junction—a peer-led central hub—connects all components, fostering a strong sense of community and holistic support." – Isaac Hernandez, Executive Director, North Winds Wellness Centre

"This project reflects nearly a decade of cross-sector collaboration, vision, and heart. It began with a commitment to do better—for individuals, for communities, and for future generations. With the collective support of funders including BC Housing, CMHC, FNHA, Northern Health, and Streetohome, we're not just building a facility—we're creating a lifeline, rooted in respect, culture, and long-term recovery." – Rob Turnbull, President and Chief Executive Officer, Streetohome

"Treaty 8 Tribal Association has proudly supported NWWC, recognizing that having this facility is a crucial and vital step forward in addressing the needs of our communities.  As we continue to navigate this toxic drug crisis together, this facility will represent a shared commitment to resilience, support, and healing.  Situated in Pouce Coupe, the Centre will stand on the traditional, ancestral territory of the Treaty 8 First Nations, fostering healing and support for those in need." – Marlene Roy, Executive Director, Treaty 8 Tribal Association

"The new North Wind Wellness Centre brings hope to our region. Many families have suffered unendurable losses due to the toxic drug epidemic in our communities. This facility offers a second chance to those struggling with addiction, and reassurance to families that help is close to home." – Danielle Veach, Mayor of Pouce Coupe

"The Peace River Regional District is pleased to support the NWWC's new Health and Wellness Centre. This facility will bring a unique approach to addiction recovery services to our region, helping those who have previously had to travel far for this essential support. It will serve people throughout the province as well. We're excited to see this project move forward - it's going to make a real difference for people who need help." Leonard Hiebert, Board Chair, Peace River Regional District

Quick facts:

• The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) provides funding through low-interest and/or forgivable loans or contributions to partner organizations for new affordable housing and the renovation and repair of existing affordable and community housing. The AHF is a $14.6-billion National Housing Strategy program that prioritizes housing projects for those who need it most: women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous people, people living with disabilities, those with mental health or addiction issues, veterans and young adults.
  • As of March 2025, the federal government had committed $11.99 billion to support the creation of close to 46,000 units and the repair of over 174,000 units through the AHF.
  • Budget 2024 announced enhancements to the AHF which includes the program being extended from 2025 – 2026 to 2028 – 2029. The existing New Construction stream is now subdivided into two dedicated sub-streams: a Rapid Housing sub-stream to create shelters, supportive and transitional housing for those in greatest need, and a Community Housing sub-stream to support affordable and mixed-market housing where there are both affordable and market-rent units in a project.  The Repair and Renewal stream, has replaced minimum requirements with an approach where projects supporting accessibility and energy efficiency will be prioritized.
• NWWC was established in 1996 to serve Indigenous communities in BC Treaty 8 Territory. The new Centre represents a significant advancement in addiction recovery in Canada, by integrating the entire continuum of care under one roof and combining Western medical practices with Traditional Indigenous healing.

Additional information:

• Visit canada.ca/housing for the most-requested Government of Canada housing information.
• CMHC plays a critical role as a national facilitator to promote stability and sustainability in Canada's housing finance system. Our mortgage insurance products support access to homeownership and the creation and maintenance of rental supply. We also actively support the Government of Canada in delivering on its commitment to make housing more affordable. Our research and data help inform housing policy. By facilitating cooperation between all levels of government, private and non-profit sectors, we contribute to advancing housing affordability, equity, and climate compatibility. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
• Progress on programs and initiatives is updated quarterly on the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) website. The Housing and Infrastructure Project Map shows the affordable housing projects developed so far.
• To learn more about NWWC, visit: https://northwindwellnesscentre.ca/about-us/about-the-centre/

SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)

Contacts: Sofia Ouslis, Office of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, [email protected]; Media Relations, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, [email protected]; Ministry of Health, Media Relations, 250 952-1887