$1 Million Bouchier investment strengthens access to youth mental health care in northern Alberta.
FORT McMURRAY — An Indigenous-owned company is investing $1 million to expand access to youth mental health care in northern Alberta, helping reduce long wait times and the need for families to travel long distances for treatment.
Bouchier announced the five-year commitment to CASA Mental Health on April 21, supporting the development of a new CASA House in Fort McMurray.
Families in the Wood Buffalo region often face trips of nearly five hours each way to Edmonton to access intensive mental health services for youth, along with wait times ranging from eight to 18 months.
CASA Mental Health provides care for young people whose needs fall between community-based services and hospital care, a gap often referred to as the “missing middle.”
“We see the pressures families in our region are facing firsthand, and the gaps that exist in accessing care — especially for Indigenous and rural communities,” said Nicole Bourque-Bouchier, CEO and co-owner of Bouchier. “Supporting CASA House is our way of helping close that gap and ensure young people have the support they need to heal and thrive, right here at home.”
The Fort McMurray CASA House, expected to open in 2027, will provide intensive, live-in treatment for up to 57 youth each year, along with care for an additional 24 patients through an adolescent day program. The facility will also support families and caregivers through integrated, trauma-informed care delivered by multidisciplinary teams.
CASA Mental Health CEO Bonnie Blakley said the investment brings the project closer to reality.
“We are deeply grateful for Bouchier’s support in helping bring this vision to life,” Blakley said. “This investment is another important step forward in making CASA House Fort McMurray a reality and ensuring families can access the care they need, closer to home.”
Nadine Samycia, CASA’s director of philanthropy, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening communities across northern Alberta.
“This deeply rooted regional partnership with Bouchier is critical to turning our vision into reality,” Samycia said. “Together, we are strengthening families, helping more young people access timely, specialized mental health support and building a healthier future.”
The new facility will be located in the city’s south end, between Quarry Ridge Drive and Highway 63.
CASA Mental Health is a non-profit provider offering treatment for children and youth aged three to 18, including support for conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD and bipolar disorder.
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