During his visit to the Central Okanagan, Premier David Eby said he spoke with Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas regarding finding a long-term care facility for people experiencing mental health and addiction issues.
On Thursday, April 2, the mayors of the four largest cities in the Okanagan, Tom Dyas (Kelowna), Gord Milsom (West Kelowna), Victor Cumming (Vernon), and Julius Bloomfield (Penticton) released a joint statement relaying their message about strengthening the region together and keeping it safe.
In the letter, the mayors stated their collective disappointment in Bill C-242 not advancing, but “are hopeful that its intent will be reflected in Bill C-14,” in the hope that bail reform will become stronger.
“We need to see timely action and meaningful change,” they said. “Our residents deserve a justice system that prioritizes public safety, restores confidence, and stops the revolving door of repeat violent and property crime.”
The quartet also said they would like to see a regional care facility to support individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others and are going through mental health and substance use challenges, pointing to the correctional facility in Oliver, which is currently under capacity and “could be better utilized,” the mayors said. The facility was built in 2016 and has a capacity for 378 beds in total.
Premier Eby was asked about this before touring the George Pringle Secondary construction site on Thursday, April 9.
“The mayors have been strong advocates for a site here in the Okanagan to recognize that we have a population of people with brain injury, serious mental health issues, and addiction issues that need long-term care,” said Eby. “And, for those who are unprepared and unwilling to ask for help, they will still receive the desperate assistance that they require.”
Eby added that while facilities have been identified in the Lower Mainland and Northern B.C., the province is still working on finding sites in the Okanagan and Vancouver Island.
“There is one site that we’ve tried to advance,” said Eby. “It’s meeting some challenges, so we’re working to try to figure out whether it will be appropriate or not, but what we’re looking for is a site that is as close as possible to turnkey. We know the urgency here. We’re trying hard to avoid new construction and the multi-year timelines that that brings so that we can provide urgent care.”
He added the province is working with local governments as well as Interior Health to find the right space.
“We’re all pushing in the same direction, trying to find that site that’s going to help us deliver that care that people need,” said Eby.