The Regional District of Nanaimo has asked the surrounding municipalities for their support in establishing treatment facilities and complex care housing in the region.
RDN chair Tyler Brown wrote a letter to the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Sheila Malcolmson, which requested treatment facilities and complex care housing be established in the district. A letter to Parksville council, dated Jan. 27, was received during the latest meeting on Wednesday, April 7.
In his letter to Parksville council, Brown requested the city send a similar letter to Malcolmson as part of a “collective and unified endeavour to maintain this urgent and significant issue at the forefront of the provincial agenda.”
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He also wrote to the City of Nanaimo, the District of Lantzville and the Town of Qualicum Beach.
In his letter to Malcolmson, Brown wrote: “While strategies such as increased availability of affordable housing and the enhanced shelter model of the proposed Navigation Centre contribute to addressing aspects of this complex social challenge, the issue is not only a housing crisis but is equally a health crisis, requiring the full spectrum of therapeutic response and expertise.”
Neither of Brown’s letter cited a specific location or municipality for the proposed facilities to be built.
After receiving the letter on Wednesday, Coun. Adam Fras made a motion, which was seconded by Coun. Mark Chandler, to support Brown’s request.
“I think this is a good opportunity for us to lobby the Minister for things that we’ve continually been asking for,” said Fras.
Fras’ motion was carried with unanimous votes in favour.