The establishment of a new addiction recovery center in Ottawa is proceeding without the involvement of the Matthew Perry House. This decision follows the tragic death of actor Matthew Perry in October 2023, which was attributed to a ketamine overdose. The facility is set to be located on the grounds of The Royal, Ottawa’s mental health center.
Background on the Initiative
Matthew Perry House, originally created in the actor’s memory, has decided to withdraw from the project. Caitlin Morrison, the founder and executive director, confirmed this separation on Wednesday, indicating that the foundation could not dedicate sufficient resources to the initiative.
Reasons for Withdrawal
- The foundation lacks the ability to commit fully to the new center.
- Matthew Perry’s legacy of helping others influenced the decision to continue supporting addiction recovery.
- Morrison, Perry’s sister, expressed personal and professional challenges in pursuing the project.
Project Details and Future Plans
Despite the change in leadership, plans for the recovery center remain intact. It aims to provide a variety of services for approximately 160 individuals, including:
- Housing facilities
- On-site medical care
- A comprehensive range of support services
According to a joint statement from Matthew Perry House, The Royal, and other partners, the decision to move forward without the name of Matthew Perry was amicable. They emphasized their commitment to delivering supportive housing focused on wellness and recovery. The project is currently in its planning phase, with land-lease processes and procurement milestones underway.
Moving Forward
Construction is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2024, pending the completion of the approval process. Though Matthew Perry House is stepping back from the new facility, Morrison stated that the foundation will continue to provide critical addiction services. Their efforts will include supporting treatment centers and enhancing care standards.
Morrison reiterated the foundation’s mission to assist as many individuals as possible in their recovery journeys. The team, described as “incredibly small,” remains committed to addressing addiction issues in the community.
