Centre for addicted youth approved in Summerside

Teenagers struggling with addiction issues could soon have a new place to turn for help in Summerside.

City council approved a zoning change Monday night that paves the way for a new youth centre run by the Boys and Girls Club.

The club purchased the house for the youth engagement centre, across the street from the Boys and Girls Club, a year and a half ago.

"We'll be offering structured programs that will be able to have youth reduce their addiction problems," said executive director Adam Binkley.

Coun. Jim Steele, who represents the ward, is thrilled the proposal made it through council.

"There's such a drug problem that's within the city, and to take the initiative by the boys and girls club it's just absolutely terrific," said Steele.

The club got a federal grant to run a substance abuse program over four years, said Binkley. The Strengthening Families Program should be up and running in about a year.

"We'll be looking at 20 youth and their families that are all struggling with the same youth addiction problems," he said.

The club still needs to raise about $150,000 before renovations can begin.