The City of Spruce Grove is highlighting mental health resources and community connection throughout May 2026, building on a month of new initiatives and local proclamations. This effort, which coincided with Canadian Mental Health Week from May 4 to May 10, aims to improve access to support services and encourage residents to engage with local mental wellness programs.
As part of this focus, the city recently celebrated the April 22 opening of Kickstand Spruce Grove, a dedicated mental health hub for youth aged 11 to 25. Located at 447 King Street, the facility offers free, integrated services such as mental health care, substance use support, peer support, and Indigenous wellness services. According to Katherine Hay, Executive Director of Kickstand, the hub is designed to be barrier-free, allowing young people to walk in for help without a referral, without wait times, and without any cost. The project is supported by provincial funding through the Mental Health Foundation.
Spruce Grove Mayor Jeff Acker emphasized the importance of these services during the recent ribbon-cutting ceremony. He noted that providing free, early intervention means fewer families have to navigate the health system alone, helping young people receive care before challenges escalate into crises. Mayor Acker also officially proclaimed the first week of May as Canadian Mental Health Week, aligning with the national theme of Come together, Canada, which encourages small, everyday actions to build community connections.
To further these connections, the city collaborated with the Town of Stony Plain, Parkland County, VĪV Mental Health, and Golf Biz Stony Plain to host a Drive for Change event on May 6. This free gathering brought together community members for an evening of guest speakers, a shared meal, and virtual golf, highlighting the link between physical activity and mental wellness.
Residents looking for additional resources can reach out to the city’s Community and Social Development department. The city continues to provide support options, including the Bridging Connections program, which offers free short-term, in-person and virtual counselling for residents aged 16 and older living in Spruce Grove or Parkland County.
