It looks as though the transition of the Nakoda on the Lake Spa, Lodge and Conference Centre from a tourist destination to a treatment facility for addictions and chronic pain has been delayed.
Originally scheduled to open late this month, the centre’s opening has been temporary put on hold due to construction, said John Samms, executive director of the facility.
“We’re in a holding pattern right now,” said Samms. “We’re wholly dependent on construction before flushing out an accurate timeline.
“We absolutely plan to continue with the development of the treatment centre.”
Samms said the facility — named Nakoda Journey — is now expected to open around March 15, based on the construction and renovation delays.
The Nakoda Lodge closed their doors as a resort at the end of October 2012.
The treatment centre aims to mix western medicine with the traditions of the First Nations to create treatment programs to help patients suffering from chronic pain problems, as well as those suffering from issues with pain medication.
The project is headed by Dr. E. Lyle Gross, who specializes in rehabilitation and physical medicine, and has a resume listing extensive experience treating and rehabilitating patients living with pain or those agonizing over the misuse of pain medication.
Care will be extended to both First Nations persons and non-aboriginals.
