The Centre of Excellence to help young victims of abuse is taking shape on Red Deer Polytechnic’s campus.
Dylan Rambow, communications co-ordinator for Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre which will relocate to the new centre, said construction is currently on schedule. Dry, calm weather during the summer helped maintain the pace of the three-storey construction project.
“With that weather they were able to get a lot of wall and floor segments up really quickly which was a bonus,” said Rambow about the precast cement pieces that were lifted into place by a crane.
No materials shortages have impacted construction. Exterior painting is almost complete and work to install windows is underway.
Construction of the new $22.4-million Centre of Excellence started over the summer and will also house the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre, Alberta Health Services: Red Deer Child and Youth Addiction and Mental Health Outpatient Clinic, and Step Up Step Down youth live-in addiction and mental health program, and RCMP.
RDP students will also gain practical work experience at the site.
Related:
Construction to begin on Centre of Excellence to help children and youth in central Alberta
The facility will bring together professionals with experience in abuse, addictions and mental health in one building.
Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre will be on the top floor. Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre will be located on the second floor, and Alberta Health Services programs will be spread between the second and first floors. RCMP will work among the services.
“It’s a one-of-a-kind model in Canada where all the partners are altogether in one building. This centre is the culmination of a lot of research and planning.”
Related:
New Red Deer child advocacy centre to help survivors of abuse
Rambow said it’s about removing barriers and getting children the services they need as quickly as possible and don’t have to travel around the province.
“We’re really looking forward to being able to positively affect these kids’ lives. All of the kids who come through our doors have had something taken from them, and we’re just happy to really start the healing.”
Eagle Builders is constructing the 66,000-square-foot facility which is expected to be finished by August 2023.
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
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