ELORA – Closing the youth rehab centre in Elora was a very difficult decision but was something that had to be done, a Portage spokesperson said.
On social media, Portage Ontario announced its Ontario location on Irvine Street north of Elora would be closing its doors.
The centre focused on youth addictions recovery first opened in 1985 has helped hundreds of clients over four decades. Portage also has rehabilitation centres in Quebec and New Brunswick.
Seychelle Harding, communications director for Portage based in Montreal, confirmed in a phone interview this closure also includes a satellite office in Guelph and the Portage Foundation in Toronto effectively ending Portage’s presence in Ontario.
This meant a loss of 25 jobs, although Harding said some employees transferred to other locations outside the province.
“We’ve had many different financial and economic challenges, I would say in the last four years in Elora,” Harding said. “It’s just something that built up and the challenges could no longer be overcome. The decision was incredibly difficult, we know it affects a lot of people but it’s something that had to be done.”
She said the difficulties began in 2021. when there were changes to the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services’ open custody system.
This led Portage Ontario to lose eight of its 16 youth justice beds, held for clients facing criminal charges referred to the rehab by the province for a diversion program, and $800,000 in annual funding that came with them, Harding said. Further pressures from COVID had also been mounting to the point where Harding said the Portage Foundation could not sustain the site any longer.
Before Christmas, some remaining residents at Portage Ontario were transferred to other facilities outside of Ontario and Harding said they will be continuing to provide aftercare and family services for its clients.
She explained when clients leave the rehabilitation centre after four or six months, there is a period of 12 months where they are back in their home community and receive continued counselling for their addiction.
Harding said it is possible for Portage to return to Ontario in some capacity in the future but there are no immediate plans for it. There hasn’t been a plan of what to do with the Elora property, including selling it, but Harding said she imagined that will be the next step.
“We’re really grateful for every individual and family who has trusted us who has been part of this journey with us,” Harding said. “Even though the centre has closed, we hope that the spirit lives in each and every one of them.”