A new partnership, including a $5.5 million multi‑location investment from Suncor, will strengthen access to youth and family mental health services across Alberta, with a special focus on the previously-announced CASA House being built in Fort McMurray.
“Every child deserves access to timely mental health care close to home,” says Bonnie Blakley, Chief Executive Officer, CASA Mental Health. “Suncor’s investment — the largest community contribution in CASA’s history — will truly change lives. More youth will be able to access much-needed mental health care services closer to the communities where they live, learn and play.”
Peter Zebedee, Executive Vice President, Oil Sands, Suncor, says the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to building stronger communities. “At Suncor, we believe thriving communities start with strong families — and that includes supporting children’s mental health. Working with CASA Mental Health, we’re helping ensure families don’t have to travel far to find care and that Alberta’s young people get help when and where they need it most.”
CASA House Fort McMurray will provide intensive treatment for up to 57 live-in youth patients and 24 Adolescent Day Program (ADP) patients each year, while also supporting patients’ family members and caregivers. The facility, which is scheduled to open in 2027, will be located in the south end of the city, between Quarry Ridge Road and Highway 63.
“CASA treats child and youth mental illness in ‘the missing middle’ of the mental health care system,” adds Blakley. “That means we provide more intensive treatment and services than are available in home or primary care, but not hospital or emergency services–which are often not the best or most appropriate places for these families. We’re going to where the kids are and expanding our circle of care across the province, including Fort McMurray, so families don’t need to travel as far as Edmonton for services they need.”
CASA’s programs combine medical and therapeutic treatment from multi-disciplinary teams of trauma-informed professionals. CASA House and ADP patients need support with significant mental health challenges. Teens stay at CASA House for an average of four months. Other youth attend ADP daily for one semester during the school year so they can continue their education while improving their social and learning skills.
Alongside the Fort McMurray project, Suncor’s investment includes $500,000 to support the new CASA House in Calgary and an additional $25,000 sponsorship in Edmonton. Together, these contributions help strengthen CASA Mental Health’s network of facilities and programming, building a more connected system of children’s mental health care across Alberta.
“We’re truly grateful to partner with Suncor and bring to life our shared vision of communities where every young person has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive,” adds Nadine Samycia, CASA’s Director of Philanthropy. “We sincerely appreciate Suncor’s leadership and recognition that mental health is foundational to strong families, workplaces and communities.”
For more information about how CASA is expanding its circle of care across the province, visit Services Across Alberta.
