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A business case has already been sent to the provincial government with the expectation that it would be a primary investor in the project. Daly said the project would need $70 million in government investment. He is hopeful for support from both the provincial and federal governments and would make up the other $23 million through fundraising and contributions from partnering organizations.

“The need is clearly urgent,” said Daly. “Our building is packed. We’ve literally run out of seats in our drop-in.”

By repurposing the former remand centre, Daly says they could shave one year off construction and as much as 25 per cent in cost, compared to constructing a new facility from scratch.

“There is a huge social value to this collaboration … but also economic value, too. This centre conservatively would save $5 million per year, and would pay for itself in less than 15 years,” Daly said.

One of the features would be a safe sobering site — where inebriated troublemakers could be taken off the street and held until they are sober — next to longer-term treatment services.

Edmonton police Chief Rod Knecht said the proposal matches what the force has been calling for during the last five years — a place offering wraparound services for vulnerable people, specifically those suffering from addictions to drugs or alcohol who otherwise could needlessly be caught up in the justice system.

Photo by Supplied

Photo by Supplied

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