An Involuntary Care Facility will soon begin construction in Prince George, bringing 72 beds.
This comes after the announcement from Premier David Eby at the former youth corrections facility in the northern capital, which will be replaced by the new facility, aimed at supporting those with complex mental health, addictions and brain injury needs across the region.
The facility will have a budget of $92 million.
Premier Eby said one of the big challenges that led to a facility like this to open is toxic drug use.
“Some of the most toxic and addictive drugs that we’ve ever seen are on our streets killing people, injuring people, leaving them irreparable brain injury. It is horrific.”
“The need for us as a province, as a country, to grapple with this has not gone away. If anything, the urgency has gone up.”
Chief Operating Officer for B.C. Mental Health and Substance Use Services, Jennifer Duff noted in the announcement the P.G. facility will need about 150 staff members to help operate the facility.
With staffing challenges in healthcare, Eby said provincial policies helped add 5,600 nurses over the last couple years, and continues garnering interest from American nurses to make the move to B.C.
“Our hope is that this initiative will work the same way in terms of recruiting the kind of professionals we’re looking for.” said Eby. “Here’s a new program, from the ground up that you get to participate in the design of, and in implementing, that is addressing a chronic and serious social issue that is of deep concern to people across the province. That draws in professionals.”
The Ministry of Infrastructure will be coordinating the contracting for renovations and new builds, with broad oversight and operational accountability from the Provincial Health Services Authority.
Construction for the Prince George facility is anticipated to begin in September, with the first phase (24 beds) expected to open December 2027, with full completion by the end of 2028.
Surrey will also be getting a facility with 60 beds, and is anticipated to open in spring 2028.
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