This N.L. duo has poured $1.1M — of their own money — into a new addiction treatment centre
Ryan Kirby points out a second-storey window at a half-frozen pond.
He's standing inside an old summer camp on Salmonier Line — one that any investor might think to turn into a compound of lucrative vacation rentals, just a 40-minute drive from St. John's.
But Kirby and the former camp's co-owner, Mark Lane, aren't focused on turning a profit from the vast waterfront property.
Instead, they're pouring their own savings — about $1.1 million so far — into building a brand-new addiction treatment centre.
"Because of the experiences we had in our own families, we [thought] we could come together and create a place for people to come and achieve that sobriety that so many people need so badly," said Lane.
Kirby has personal reasons for his investment: he's been to rehab a few times, but the programs never worked. It wasn't until he started running the East Coast Trail with a group of friends that he discovered the benefits of structure, exercise and nature.
"It's something that's very near and dear to my heart," he said, speaking over the din of hammers and drills.
"When this property became an option to purchase a few years ago, I immediately said … I think that this is what we should do here."
Newfoundland and Labrador has two other live-in treatment centres: Humberwood on the island's west coast, and the Grace Centre to the east.
Both are known to have long waitlists, and can only accommodate patients for up to 28 days.
Kirby and Lane are hoping to expand that model, offering four-week intensive stays with full-time programming to patients and an additional several weeks of on-site monitoring. They're turning 10 cabins on the property, arranged in a semi-circle around the main building, into two-bedroom units, where patients can live and work while still taking part in therapy and activities.
The idea, Kirby says, is offering a continuum of care: making sure patients aren't shipped out to their old lifestyles and triggers after a few short weeks. There'll be kayaking on the pond, and cooking classes so patients can leave with a few healthy recipes under their belts.
The pair also say they want to track outcomes, following patients for months after they leave the centre and offering ongoing care.
Believing in the effort
In a statement to CBC News, the Health Department remained tight-lipped on its interest in the plan.
"The project is still in the development phase and government continues to stay informed as the project evolves," a spokesperson wrote.
Lane is hoping their fleet of professionals will convince officials to play ball, and help the centre secure business grants, loans or simply just a stamp of approval.
"It's something that two families have decided to personally finance themselves. You only have to look there to see how passionate we are about this, how much we believe in it," Kirby said.
"I have my house put up. I know Mark has his house put up against this, because that's how much we believe in it."
Once the centre opens — which could happen as early as June — it'll have doctors, nurses, and social workers on hand, as well as staff members to run exercise and art classes.
The centre can then begin applying to one of several accreditation programs. Ideally, once accredited, doctors across Newfoundland and Labrador could then refer patients to the centre through MCP.
Currently, doctors can refer patients to out-of-province rehab facilities — something the pair say is a deterrent for some people seeking help.
In a time of record overdoses, new revelations about the carcinogenic nature of alcohol and enduring fears about fentanyl poisoning, they're not surprised they've had little pushback from the community.
"The overwhelming support from across the province, the heartfelt messages that we received — we have social license to do it," Lane said.
"This is not a typical private enterprise. This is a community-driven event for people who really need help, in every community, in every family."
WATCH | Ryan Kirby says he could have benefited from a facility like this one:
Vida Nova Recovery aims to offer longer in-treatment options for those battling addiction in N.L.
34 minutes ago
Duration 3:22
A former children's summer camp is being converted into the province's newest addictions centre, and it's slated to open on Salmonier Line in June. The CBC's Malone Mullin met the pair of men to hear more about their passion project.
Kirby will be sober seven years this June, he says — and it was only possible because he discovered there was something else to live for.
"I was using every day. I was using before work, I was using after work," he said.
"I know there's not many people that are lucky and fortunate like I am to have the supports that I had. And so we are that support.
"Now when you call us and say … I need help, from that moment on, you're [under] our wing. We're looking after you."
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