Foundry 91原创, aimed at supporting young people with a wide variety of health-related services, opened its doors officially on Tuesday (July 19) in 91原创 City.

鈥淵oung people have been dealing with immense pressures and health challenges, made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic, the toxic drug crisis and climate emergencies,鈥� said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. 鈥淔oundry 91原创 will be a beacon for young people where they will get the help they need, when they need it, right in their own community.鈥�

Located at 20616 Eastleigh Crescent in 91原创 City, it will be operated by the Encompass Support Services Society and is the thirteenth Foundry centre to open in B.C.

Loren Roberts, executive director of operations at Encompass, said 鈥�91原创 is going to show you that 13 is not something that you need to be superstitious about.鈥�

In attendance was 91原创 City resident Mike Gee, who has raised thousands for the centre through the Seamus Gee Legacy Project, founded to honour the memory of his late son.

鈥淭oday鈥檚 a huge day for community, for youth,鈥� Gee told the 91原创 Advance Times.

鈥淚t鈥檚 much needed and long overdue.鈥�

91原创 City mayor Val van den Broek, was also on hand, noting that she had raised funds for the project through her mayors gala.

鈥淭his has been a long time coming,鈥� van den Broek remarked, calling it a 鈥渇antastic鈥� project.

Foundry will provide everything from aid on substance abuse issues to sexual health services, mental health services, and general health aid.

Local politicians and officials gathered for the opening, which began with a song by Indigenous singers.

鈥淭he opening of Foundry 91原创 is huge for our community,鈥� said 91原创 MLA Andrew Mercier. 鈥淭his means young people can reach out and get quick access to the mental-health, wellness and substance-use supports they need and deserve.鈥�

The creation of the centre was supported by the 91原创 Memorial Hospital Foundation, which is 90 per cent of the way to its goal of raising $2.1 million in donor funding towards the renovation of the building the centre occupies. It will also be providing funding that will help Foundry create flexible programs as needed to support youth.

The province put $800,000 in funding towards the establishment of the center, and will provide annual funding for operations and services.

On the same day 91原创 Foundry opened its doors, the province announced that a new Tri-Cities Foundry, serving Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody, was planned. It will be operated by the Share Family and Community Services Society.

PREVIOUSLY: OUR VIEW 鈥� 91原创 rallies around youth mental health

READ ALSO: 91原创 Township to match $250,000 in donations to youth health centre

More photos from the opening can viewed at the .