Foundry Burns Lake is on its way

October 6, 2023

Over the past year workers have been preparing the site for the future home of Foundry Burns Lake at 686 McPhail Rd – across from Lakes District Secondary School. Today Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS), along with representatives from Foundry BC, held a ground-breaking ceremony to commemorate the start of construction for the long-anticipated youth wellness centre.

“Youth struggle with many factors in today’s society, if we are to stay true to our commitments to make youth our future leaders, then we must create the space to promote their wellbeing and positive growth,” said CSFS Board President and Cheslatta Carrier Nation Chief Corrina Leween. “We thank the local communities and First Nations for their leadership in providing the needed support and stability for this project and realizing the much-needed services.”

After Foundry Burns Lake formally opens its doors to youth, families and caregivers, it will join a network of 16 Foundry centres which are currently operating across the province. There are an additional 9 new Foundry centres still under development, and 10 more communities to be selected, for a total of 35 centres once complete.

Foundry Burns Lake is committed to providing youth wellness resources that are culturally informed and tailored to support each young person’s unique healing journey.

“This is the beginning of a new chapter for youth in the Burns Lake community. It is a chapter of healing, where youth can feel like their needs are being seen and fully acknowledged”, said Toni Carlton, Foundry’s Provincial Director for Community, Culture and Connection. “Foundry is committed to being a safe space for young people across British Columbia and providing them the wellness resources they need and deserve to live good lives. We are thrilled at being able to continue our vision to support youth with the inception of Foundry Burns Lake!”

Once completed, the Foundry Burns Lake will include an integrated health and wellness centre, a CSFS Youth Services drop-in centre, and beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces for young people to gather, recreate, and connect with health and social service supports.

Engagement with the community and youth has been integral to the selection and layout of the facility. Community members, youth, and the school district were included every step of the way – from planning, to design, and services offered at the centre. This centre is for the community, by the community.

“Young people are facing more pressures than ever before and need access to wraparound care, including primary care, social services and mental-health supports in order to thrive,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “Foundry Burns Lake will make it easier for more young people to get the help they need, when they need it, where they need it.”

Foundry services are a vital part of our health care system. The Province is contributing funding toward the establishment of the Burns Lake centre as well as ongoing support of Foundry.

The construction of Foundry Burns Lake is scheduled for completion in Winter 2024/2025. CSFS expects to welcome staff and clients for services starting shortly thereafter.

CSFS wishes to thank the gracious donors who have supported CSFS Capital Services in the development of this crucial resource: Babine Forest Products, Burns Lake Community Forest Ltd., The Nechako-Kitimaat Development Fund, and the Bulkley Valley Credit Union.

The construction cost of the building that will house Foundry Burns Lake is approximately $6.7 million. CSFS is continuing to seek financial support to fund remaining costs of the project. Donations are welcome as CSFS and communities work to support youth health and wellness in Burns lake and surrounding areas: https://www.csfs.org/payments/donations

Contact Person
CSFS Communications
778-349-1676
communications@csfs.org

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