Quieter times: As a specialized social and health services centre rather than a walk-in emergency room, access to services is best coordinated through a referral from a social worker, community health worker, or by contacting the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale. The ground floor community access point is open to help connect individuals with the right services.
Busier times: This centre is not designed for drop-in acute medical emergencies at any time of day. Individuals experiencing a medical emergency should always call 911 or go directly to the Hôtel-Dieu de Québec emergency department across the street, regardless of the time.
Located at 14 Côte du Palais in Vieux-Québec, the CDC SMDI de l'Armée du Salut is a specialized multiservice centre operated under the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale network, designed to serve individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, and social marginalization. The facility offers integrated health and social services including addiction detoxification (alcohol and drugs), social work support, and reintegration programming — all under one roof across four floors. This is not a hospital emergency department; members of the public requiring urgent or emergency medical care should proceed directly to the Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, located directly across the street.
Services & Specialties
Alcohol and drug detoxification (désintoxication), Addiction and dependency medicine (SMDI), Social work consultations, Social reintegration support, Community meal services, Homelessness and itinerance support services, Partnership services with Maison de Job (addiction support), Partnership services with Croissance Travail (reintegration activities).
Amenities
Community kitchen and dining area (ground floor)
Residential floor meal services
Ground-floor community access point open to the public
This facility is not a hospital emergency room — if you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the Hôtel-Dieu de Québec directly across the street on Côte du Palais.
Services at this centre are specifically designed for individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, or severe social marginalization — the welcoming environment is intentionally adapted for these populations.
If you or someone you know needs addiction detoxification services in Québec City, this SMDI centre is part of the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale network and can connect you with appropriate care.
The ground floor is designed as an open community access point — it serves as the entry point to all services offered across the building's four floors.
For general urgent care needs not requiring emergency services, consider contacting Info-Santé by dialing 811 for guidance on the most appropriate care setting in Québec City.
What to Bring
Government-issued photo identification (health card, ID card, or passport if available)
Québec health insurance card (carte d'assurance maladie / RAMQ) if you have one
List of any current medications or substances
Emergency contact information for a trusted person
Any relevant medical documents or prior treatment records
Comfortable clothing if residential or detoxification stay is anticipated
Provincial or federal benefit information if applicable to your social services intake
Parking
Street parking on Côte du Palais and in the surrounding Vieux-Québec area is very limited due to the historic neighbourhood layout. The nearby Hôtel-Dieu de Québec has its own parking facilities. Visitors are encouraged to use public transit or arrive on foot when possible.
Getting There
The facility is located in the heart of Vieux-Québec, a walkable area served by Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC) bus routes in the Old Quebec / Haute-Ville sector. Consult the RTC trip planner at rtcquebec.ca for current routes and schedules serving this area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CDC SMDI de l'Armée du Salut an emergency department?
No. This facility is a specialized multiservice centre for individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction — it is not a hospital emergency department. If you need emergency medical care in Québec City, go to the Hôtel-Dieu de Québec directly across the street or call 911.
Who is this facility designed to serve?
The CDC SMDI de l'Armée du Salut is specifically designed to serve highly marginalized individuals, including people experiencing homelessness, addiction, and social exclusion. The environment is intentionally welcoming for populations who may be reluctant to seek help in traditional hospital settings.
What does SMDI stand for, and what services does it provide?
SMDI stands for Services de Médecine de Dépendance et d'Itinérance — Addiction Medicine and Homelessness Services. At this facility, that includes alcohol and drug detoxification, access to social workers, and social reintegration programming through partner organizations like Maison de Job and Croissance Travail.
Who operates this facility — is it still run by the Salvation Army?
The building was formerly a Salvation Army (Armée du Salut) site but was acquired by the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale in December 2020. It is now operated as a health and social services centre under the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale network, in collaboration with community partner organizations.
How do I access services at this centre?
The ground floor of the building serves as an open community access point to help individuals connect with the range of services offered across all four floors. Referrals can also come through social workers, community health workers, or the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale network.
Where is the nearest hospital emergency department to 14 Côte du Palais?
The Hôtel-Dieu de Québec is located directly across the street from this facility on Côte du Palais and is the closest hospital emergency department. The CHU de Québec–Université Laval network is also accessible in the greater Québec City area.
Emergency departments use triage. Patients with more serious conditions are seen first, regardless of arrival time.
Wait times are estimates based on Quebec health data. Actual wait times may vary.
This hospital does not publish a live wait, so the figure above comes from our model rather than from its own feed. We publish how that model performs where it can be checked, at the hospitals that do publish. See the accuracy scorecard, or how we work the number out.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
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