Foothills Centre executive director Val Campbell cut the ribbon Wednesday to officially open the extension.
The stunning transformation of the Foothills Centre was celebrated Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception.
The Fort Macleod community received special praise for its ongoing support for Foothills Centre.
“Your commitment to this cause not only demonstrates your compassion, but also your belief in the power of recovery, and in second chances,” executive director Val Campbell said. “Your donations have a lasting impact, not just on the lives of the individuals served, but on our entire community. Your donations carry such immense significance for us.”
The centre was refurbished inside and out to provide an improved setting for staff to help people on their way to recovery.
The centre’s accredited detox program consists of daily group sessions, treatment referrals, discharge planning, relapse prevention and support resources.
“The Foothills Centre and what they’ve done here is a light and a hope for those struggling with the hardship and the trauma of addiction,” town councillor Marco Van Huigenbos said.
Tribute had been paid prior to Van Huigenbos’s speech about the strong community support that aided the 4,500 sq. ft. extension of the Foothills Centre.
Van Huigenbos acknowledged the importance of the community’s support, but stressed it was the staff and board of the Foothills Centre that made things happen.
“Without the community this wouldn’t happen, but it’s their vision, it’s their passion that has brought us to this point,” Van Huigenbos said.
A large crowd gathered at the basketball court that served as an impromptu setting for a brief ceremony.
“We are so glad to have you here to celebrate what the Foothills Centre has become the last five years,” board chair Brent Feyter said.
Phase 1 of the project included the realignment and upgrade of the existing services to the facility and the construction of a 4,500 sq. ft. single-story addition behind the existing building.
Westco Construction Ltd. was contracted in 2020 for the extension, which provided dorms with 26 beds, a main floor laundry room and storage space.
Phase 2 created much-needed and improved office space.
“This location looked a lot different not that long ago,” Feyter said. “It used to be just one small building, there was no addition, there was no yard, the staffing area was very complicated, vey squished.”
Feyter paid special tribute to the Foothills Centre staff.
“The difference they make every day is amazing,” Feyter said.
Staff had considerable input into the construction project, to ensure the design best served the people who use Foothills Centre.
Sharan Randle reflected on the 13 years she has spent as a Foothills Centre board member.
“I enjoy being on this board,” Randle said. “It’s one of the most beneficial things in our community.”
Foothills Centre opened Oct. 5, 1979 and around the 40th anniversary the board held a development session.
“We discussed goals and dreams we had for the centre, and this development was in the dream category,” Randle said. “Then we started putting our heads around it, and saw that it could be a reality.”
The board decided in 2019 to proceed with the project, appraising the facility and approaching the bank with plans to build new dorms and washrooms.
Once the extension was built, the existing building needed upgrading so the board sold land to the east and west of the Foothills Centre, held fund-raisers and accepted donations to fund those upgrades.
“Our executive director, Val Campbell, and her staff have been absolutely amazing with their flexibilty in a very trying workspace,” Randle said. “You can imagine trying to help people struggle out of addiction when you’ve got construction happening all around you. It was very difficult.”
The project proceeded without an architect. Westco Construction drew up plans with input from Campbell and the staff.
“The clients have been beyond patient with the construction happening all around them when they were feeling their worst and trying to get through the struggles of detox,” Randle said.
Randle said the contractor worked closely with the Foothills Centre staff to ensure the project met the needs, and stayed on budget.
The community came through with financial donations and moral support throughout the project.
“We are pleased to carry on the work that some visionaries in this community had over 40 years ago,” Randle said.
John Guliker brought greetings on behalf of Fort Macleod Chamber of Commerce.
“We thank you very much for all the hard work you guys do,” Guliker said.
Val Campbell praised Fort Macleod for its strong support of Foothills Centre.
“We have a heart full of gratitude and so much appreciation for the incredible generosity that our community has shown Foothills Centre,” Campbell said. “The renovations and expansion of our facility has been helped by the contributions of so many individuals, businesses and organizations.”
Campbell expressed thanks to Westco Construction, Feyter Group of Companies, the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta, the Hockey Through the Ages tournament, Fort Macleod Health Care Auxiliary Association and other donors.
Memorial donations allowed the centre’s staff to create a serenity circle and pergola which serves as a dedicated space to remember those who lost their lives to addiction.
“Foothills Centre is not just a building to us,” Campbell said. “It’s our commitment to healing and recovery.”
