Two extensions later, one bid for Trailcross youth facility

After two extensions, a request for proposals to operate the Trailcross Treatment Centre in Fort Smith has received one bid.

Trailcross is the only mental health treatment and therapy centre for youth aged 12 to 18 in the NWT.

The most recent request for proposals closed on October 1, after June 15 and September 14 deadlines were both extended when no bids came in. The authority first put out a call for proposals on May 7.

David Maguire, NWT Health and Social Services Authority spokesperson, said, “We’re currently in the process of evaluating the bid to ensure the submission meets the criteria.

“It’s a priority,” he continued, although he was unable to share any details about the timeline.

He was also unsure of what will happen if the health authority does not accept the bid.

Current operator Wood’s Homes’ five-year contract expires on October 31.

It is unclear what will happen to the teens receiving support at the centre if there is a gap between service providers, although in September Maguire said the health authority “will work to ensure all clients continue to be able to access the services they require.”

The centre usually provides support to around six teens at a time, although the current contract is for eight beds (seven in Fort Smith and one in Calgary).