A new report to Chatham-Kent council outlines how the Peter and Cathy Quiring Foundation is proposing to fill a key gap in the local addiction treatment and recovery system.
The report, prepared by Health and Human Services General Manager Jodi Guilmette for information, follows an April 2026 council motion requesting options for partnering with the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) on a municipally supported facility modelled after Ryan’s House in Sarnia. Council had also requested information on capital and operating costs, partnership opportunities, potential funding sources and possible locations.
According to the report, CKHA is not in a position to manage the operations of a Phase 2 withdrawal management program.
Instead, the report highlights the Peter and Cathy Quiring Foundation’s plans, first presented to council on June 22, to establish both a Phase 2 stabilization program and a longer-term recovery model in Chatham-Kent.
The report says CKHA sees opportunities to integrate its existing services into a program operated by another provider through enhanced clinical supports, coordinated referrals and shared care pathways alongside existing services such as its Rapid Access to Addiction Medication clinic and withdrawal management services.
The Quiring Foundation has already established operations locally through the Chatham Community Hope Centre at 52 Croydon St., where it provides outreach services, meals and access to groceries, hygiene supplies and clothing.
The report notes the foundation has requested that the municipality donate properties at 110 Sandys St. and 55 Croydon St.
If council approves the transfer, the foundation proposes operating a 30-day stabilization and assessment program at 110 Sandys St. for people leaving detox before entering longer-term treatment. The report says the program would provide a safe environment where clients could rest, receive basic care and undergo assessments to determine the most appropriate recovery pathway.
The foundation also plans to establish a 90-day trauma-informed recovery program at both the Croydon Street and Sandys Street properties, focused on healing, structure, personal development and preparation for long-term recovery.
According to the report, the Quiring Foundation’s long-term vision is a seven-stage continuum that begins with outreach and identification, followed by stabilization, structured recovery, transitional housing, life-skills development, affordable housing and independent living, and lifelong mentorship.
The report says local agencies will continue working together to determine how existing treatment and recovery services can align with the proposed model, strengthen referrals and improve coordination throughout the recovery process.
It also notes the proposed program will not address every gap in the local system. Findings from the Chatham-Kent Community Drug Strategy identified ongoing service gaps for youth and Indigenous Peoples, with planning continuing to improve equitable access to care.
The report states the Quiring Foundation would be responsible for operating the facilities, staffing, programming, property stewardship and resident supports at no additional operating cost to the municipality.
Financial implications remain under review. Council previously directed administration to return on Aug. 10 with a report outlining options for transferring the Sandys Street and Croydon Street properties to the Quiring Foundation, methods to ensure long-term public benefit and the financial impacts of any property tax exemptions or other associated costs. The report will also include an analysis of other municipally owned, private and partner properties that could be suitable for supportive housing.
