Reconstruction Set to Begin at Addiction Treatment Centre

Construction is set to begin for our new addiction treatment centre at Concession Road in Cambridge.

Reconstruction is set to begin at House of Friendship’s addiction treatment centre on Concession Road in Cambridge, two months after an early-morning fire on May 1, 2019 caused significant damage to the building.

“We are incredibly excited to be able to once again move forward with this much-needed addiction treatment centre for Waterloo Region,” said John Neufeld, Executive Director of House of Friendship.

“While it has been a tough few months for our team, we are grateful the amazing outpouring of care and encouragement we have seen from this community. It is this support that strengthens us as we take the next steps toward making this facility a reality.”

The damage caused by the fire will be covered by insurance, putting this project back to where it was before the fire.

Reconstruction efforts, including the removal of damaged materials, mechanical and electrical elements and the rear 20-foot section of the building, is now underway. Once this is completed, as well as cleaning and smoke sealing the remainder of the building is finished, the rebuild will begin.

The new completion date for the project is estimated for late spring/early summer 2020.

House of Friendship will continue to work with the contractor for this project, Nith Valley Construction, on the restoration of this building.

“Nith Valley has been nothing short of helpful, supportive, caring and responsive through this process. We are thrilled to be able to continue to work with them on the completion of our addiction treatment centre,” said Neufeld.

During the renovation, House of Friendship remains committed to providing continued service to those fighting addiction in our community. Details on the interim arrangements for our men’s residential treatment program are being finalized.

“Our Addiction Services staff are walking through this difficult situation with their best foot forward, prioritizing the care and commitment for those receiving services now and in the year ahead,” said Neufeld.

An additional $500,000 in donations is needed to cover outstanding costs of the expanded vision that added a second floor, as well as the incremental costs for security during renovations and the need to rent interim treatment space until we can move in to this facility. Donations can be made at www.houseoffriendship.org/donate.

For more information about this Close to Home project, visit www.houseoffriendship.org/closetohome.

House of Friendship provides a comprehensive range of addiction treatment services throughout Waterloo Region. To find out more about these services, visit www.houseoffriendship.org/addiction.