Minister of mental health and addictions Sheila Malcolmson is involved in the expansion of available treatment beds since they were previously announced. (flickr/Gov't of B.C.)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

recovery

Influx of recovery & treatment beds expected in Nanaimo

Feb 10, 2021 | 6:03 AM

NANAIMO — A suite a new treatment and recovery beds are inbound for the Nanaimo area.

The ministry of mental health and addictions announced on Tuesday, Feb. 9 there will be 15 new beds operated by the John Howard Society of Nanaimo.

“There’s more to do, but we are working hard to build up a strong system of addictions and mental health care,” minister and Nanaimo MLA Sheila Malcolmson said in a release.

Up to 70 beds across B.C. were announced in the summer of 2020, expanded to 105 in Tuesday’s announcement.

It’s unclear how many beds were previously expected at the John Howard Society.

Big ticket projects

'It's tied to population growth': RDN to expand Nanaimo sewer capacity

2h ago

Frequent visitor

Conservative leader delivers crime, drug and housing plans during Nanaimo pre-election stop

21h ago

nearly complete

New central Nanaimo light-signalled intersection about to open

Jan 14, 2025

Five treatment beds operated by the John Howard Society sat empty due to a funding gap for a significant amount of time.

At the time nearly one year ago, operating the five beds was expected to cost roughly $70,000.

Five new beds are also designated to the for-profit Edgewood Treatment Centre.

Six beds will be operated in Port Alberni and two in the Comox Valley.

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW