Havest House plan would see ‘largest facility east of Ontario’ on Divide Road
A new youth addiction centre is being proposed for a property in the District of Carleton North (DCN), according to Joel Demerchant of Harvest House Woodstock.
Demerchant presented a plan to the DCN council in July, identifying 211 Divide Road as the potential site.
If approved, the facility would be the “largest of its kind east of Ontario,” Demerchant said, and could be ready to open by September 2026.
“It’s the one area we desperately need here,” Demerchant told the council. “It’ll be available to all folks in the Maritimes, with fundraising done in the Maritimes. I can’t count the number of family members looking for help [for youth] and there is nothing.”
The facility’s proposed programs would include:
- Supervision and support from trained medical and support staff
- On-site schooling
- A 12-step program designed for youth
- Life skills training through hands-on work like gardening and raising small livestock
- A strong emphasis on community, self-esteem, self-sufficiency, and personal growth
- Internship opportunities
Margaret Johnson, MLA for Carleton-Victoria, noted that “we are trying to unravel the municipal and provincial hurdles before a plan can even be developed. Part of that process will be public consultation.”
Johnson added that they didn’t want to have groups make investments, only to discover bureaucratic or public roadblocks later.
Johnson, who has met with Demerchant on the issue, stressed the need for such a facility.
“We cannot deny the need for treatment and rehabilitation facilities for our province and most especially for our youth. This project incorporates agriculture, self-reliance and sustainability—all laudable facets,” she said.
Demerchant also emphasized the importance of keeping local residents informed.
“The previous owner had been in contact with the neighbours,” he stated, adding that ongoing consultation will be part of the process.
Following the presentation, Angel Connor, the councillor for the ward where the property is located, said she feels “positive” about the project.
Connor agreed that it’s “important for me to speak directly with the residents who live near the property to hear their perspectives, gather questions, and get feedback.”
She also added that the facility would be a “highly secure home” and highlighted the potential benefits of the proposed programs.
“Additionally, the location of the property is such that there are no inhabited homes in close proximity, which I think is worth noting,” said Connor.
Harvest House Woodstock is a non-profit Christian charity that works to address poverty, homelessness, and addiction in Carleton County.
