The End of an Era

12-janv.-2012Residents, staff, and volunteers have said goodbye to the final remnants of Portage Atlantic's former Cassidy Lake facility in New Brunswick. The centre’s original main building was torn down in November 2011, after being replaced by the new centre, which was officially opened in June 2010. Although the demolition is a welcome final step in the centre’s transformation, Portage Atlantic staff members, youth, and board of directors all spoke very fondly of the old building as it was being taken down, reminiscing about memories of years gone by.

Since the Portage Atlantic centre first opened its doors on the shores of Cassidy Lake in 1996, more than 1,800 admissions have been processed for youth needing severe substance abuse rehabilitation treatment. As demand for the program grew over the years, the Cassidy Lake centre had to increase its dormitory capacity by bringing temporary trailers onto the site.

With funding from the federal and provincial governments, as well as significant support from local and regional foundations, businesses, and individuals through the Making Miracles Happen capital campaign, the much-needed transformation was made a reality at Cassidy Lake.

In June 2010, a grand opening event celebrated the construction of three new buildings, erected to replace the treatment centre’s main building and its cramped and ageing trailers.

Residents and staff members greatly appreciate the larger, more comfortable, and more productive spaces in their new home.