150-bed addiction and mental health treatment centre planned for Chippewas of the Thames First Nation

Chippewas of the Thames First Nation and Honos Health have signed an agreement to build a150-bed addiction and mental health treatment centre. (Source: Chippewas of the Thames First Nation)

Chippewas of the Thames First Nation and Honos Health have signed a joint agreement to build a 150-bed addiction and mental health treatment centre.

The proposed 150,000-square-foot facility will sit on a 15-acre site within Chippewas of the Thames treaty territory, roughly 30 kilometres southwest of London.

It is expected to serve approximately 900 clients a year through 30 to 90-day residential treatment terms, and its clinical model will be grounded in a Two-Eyed Seeing methodology (an approach that braids Indigenous and Western knowledges), elder engagement, and land-based healing.

Residents will be supported by a care team that includes nursing staff, physicians, trauma-certified counsellors and social workers, allied health professionals, and dedicated cultural navigators.

“We know that demand for recovery support outpaces available beds. We also hear from our citizens that mental health and addictions support is a core priority. We have taken these needs seriously and are grateful for this new partnership to bring essential care into our territory,” said Chief Joe Miskokomon from Chippewas of the Thames.

Once operational, the treatment centre is expected to create approximately 185 jobs for local First Nations and surrounding areas, with opportunities coming in clinical, cultural programming, operations, and administrative positions.

Once financing is secured, construction is expected to take 18 to 24 months.

The facility is targeted to be fully operational in early 2029.