Construction has begun on a new 60-bed mental-health and substance-use treatment facility in Surrey, with the beds expected to be available to patients by spring 2028.

The centre, which was announced by Premier David Eby in July, will also provide specialized care for people living with brain injuries.

Located at 6833 and 6869 King George Blvd., the building will be renovated to meet the complex needs of patients. The facility will include involuntary admission beds for people in the Fraser Health region experiencing the most severe mental-health and substance-use challenges.

“Specialized care and treatment for patients with the most complex needs is a vital part of their path to wellness,” said Health Minister Ravi Kahlon.

“These new beds in Surrey mean more people will be able to access this care closer to home, building on the progress already made to create a system of care that meets people where they are.”

The project has a budget of up to $57 million and is being developed through a partnership involving the provincial government, Fraser Health, the Provincial Health Services Authority and local partners.

“Surrey has seen a clear and growing need for more mental-health and substance-use supports,” said Garry Begg, parliamentary secretary for Surrey infrastructure and MLA for Surrey-Guildford.

“These new beds will make a real difference for individuals and families by improving access to care when it’s needed most and helping meet long-standing community demand for these services.”

Amna Shah, parliamentary secretary for mental-health and addictions and MLA for Surrey City Centre, said the start of construction marks an important step toward expanding access to specialized treatment in the region.

“With construction now underway in Surrey, we’re one step closer to bringing this important, specialized care closer to home,” Shah said.

“This new facility will provide a safe, supportive environment for people experiencing complex mental-health and substance-use challenges who require treatment, with care focused on stability, healing and recovery for people in Surrey and surrounding communities.”

The province said it continues to assess locations for future designated mental-health treatment beds in other regions of British Columbia.

The expansion of designated mental-health services under the Mental Health Act was identified as a key recommendation by Dr. Daniel Vigo, B.C.’s first chief scientific adviser for psychiatry, toxic drugs, and concurrent disorders, who was appointed in June 2024.