The new addiction treatment centre planned to replace the current Sarah Steele Building facility will include a youth and family unit, says Health and Social Services Minister Doug Graham.

"I'm really happy to see the government doing this,” Chris Rider, the executive director for local youth organization Bringing Youth Towards Equality, said this morning.

"I can only say I think it's wonderful.”

While the youth unit will still focus primarily on addictions, there is potential for expanded services which could include attention to mental health – something Rider would like to see.

"One of the things we've really noticed is the lack of mental health initiatives for youth in the Yukon,” he said.

"I did notice that that's one of the things that Doug Graham mentioned they may be able to implement.

"So that is really something I would love to see; better mental health services for youth who really need it, because at the moment, those facilities don't really exist.”

Graham said this morning a mental health treatment facility isn't feasible in such a small jurisdiction, noting a recent study out of British Columbia that suggested a population of at least 85,000 is needed.

"We're going to provide every possible service in mental health that we can,” he added.

He highlighted government partnerships with NGOs that provide mental health services in the community, such as Many Rivers.

The new addictions treatment centre is still in the preliminary planning stages. Graham will be seeking the cabinet's approval of funds to continue the planning process in the next few weeks.

Early estimates place the cost of the new facility at between $15 million $18 million, although the minister noted that could change by as much as 25 per cent either way.

"We made a commitment to replace the Sarah Steele Building, so the question now is: how big will it be, what programs will be in the building and how quickly we can get it done? We would like to move as quickly as possible,” he said.

Along with a youth and family wing, the new facility will house a medical detoxification unit and a redesigned 28-day voluntary treatment program.

Currently, those seeking treatment have to wait until the next session of the 28-day program starts before they can begin treatment.

"That's just not acceptable,” said Graham.

"We'll be redesigning that program to make sure people can drop in whenever they're ready to drop in.”

The location of the new building has not been firmly decided upon.

Keeping it on the same property and moving it a little further back toward the clay cliff is being considered, said Graham.

The facility will be away from schools and major housing developments, he noted. The government also already owns the land.

Another consideration is relocating both the Salvation Army shelter and the treatment centre somewhere where they could be closer together.

The Department of Health and Social Services has developed a preliminary agreement between the government and the shelter, and Graham said they are continuing to work closely.

The government still hopes the shelter can be expanded and that it will begin to offer transitional housing services, ultimately working in partnership with the addiction treatment centre.