New Surrey mental health hub for veterans to include psychedelics research centre
Legion Veterans Village, currently under construction in Surrey City Centre, has long been touted as a multi-faceted mental health treatment and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment centre for veterans, with an integrated research component too.
That research component is now achieved by a partnership with Knowde Group and HealthTech Connex’s Centre for Neurology Studies to establish a clinical research centre at Legion Veterans Village for plant-based and progressive medicinal therapeutics in treating PTSD and mental health symptoms for veterans and first responders.
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“Despite its availability in Canada, there remains limited research on the use and efficacy of medical cannabis in PTSD patients,” said Rowena Rizzotti, vice president of healthcare and innovations and project lead for Legion Veterans Village, in a statement.
“We are pleased to partner with and leverage Knowde Group’s research expertise and insight to pursue potential treatment options for PTSD for our veterans and first responders.”
Construction on the $312 million Legions Veterans Village at 13525 106 Avenue, replacing Whalley Legion Branch 229, commenced in May 2019.
Construction progress at Legion Veterans Village at 13525 106 Avenue, Surrey, as of early February 2021. (Legion Veterans Village)
The first phase under construction features a 29-storey tower with an architectural form taking the inspiration of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France. It contains the Centre of Excellence and the Innovation Centre for Rehabilitation, which includes clinical rehabilitation services, research, the delivery of health care programs, and trauma counselling. There will also be mixed health and dental clinics, and outdoor garden spaces.
This portion of the building also includes a new 10,500-sq-ft replacement facility for the legion branch and 48 affordable housing units — commissioned through BC Housing — and temporary transitional and crisis housing facilities for veterans, their families, and the community. Another 148 units within this building will be used as market housing.
Artistic rendering of the 2018 design for Surrey Veterans Village. (Royal Canadian Legion BC/Yukon Command/Lark Group)
Artistic rendering of the 2018 design for Surrey Veterans Village. (Royal Canadian Legion BC/Yukon Command/Lark Group)
A second phase of the complex entailing a 26-storey building will create 325 market housing units. The market housing component within both phases is being used to help cover the cost of constructing the new PTSD and mental health treatment and research facilities.
The first phase is anticipated to reach completion in 2022. The project is a partnership with local developer Lark Group.
Construction progress at Legion Veterans Village at 13525 106 Avenue, Surrey, as of early February 2021. (Legion Veterans Village)
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