Still no takers for Trailcross youth facility, NWT ‘assessing all options’

For a second time, a request for proposals to operate the Trailcross Treatment Centre in Fort Smith has been extended after no apparent interest.

At the end of August, a new closing date was set for October 1. The current operator’s contract expires on October 31.

The health authority first issued a call for proposals on May 7 but, when no proposals were received by a June 15 deadline, the closing date was changed to September 14.

Trailcross is the Northwest Territories’ only mental health treatment and therapy centre for youth aged 12 to 18.

“The NWT Health and Social Services Authority is assessing all options and preparing for all scenarios and will work to ensure all clients continue to be able to access the services they require,” said authority spokesperson David Maguire by email.

Maguire said he could not provide any information on what options and scenarios the authority is preparing for, nor could he say if the deadline will be extended again if no proposals arrive within the next two weeks.

However, he said the continued operation of the centre is a priority.

“We will dedicate resources to ensure programming is in place as fast as possible once the contract is awarded,” said Maguire.

“We cannot speculate at this time how long this will take, but we will ensure clients continue to be able to access the services they require throughout any transition.”

Locally, it had been speculated that Unlimited Potential Community Services – which runs the Yellowknife-based Territorial Treatment Centre for children aged 8-12 with behavioural, emotional, and psychiatric challenges – would bid to take over Trailcross.

However, organization spokesperson Bruce Armson said there was no truth to that.

“Sorry you’re misinformed,” he wrote to Cabin Radio in a one-line email.