‘Promises to be a good thing:’ Parksville residents weigh in on proposed addictions treatment centre

Parksville residents Reg and Carol attended, and said there was “definitely a need” for the treatment centre in the area.

They said they have a deep and personal interest in this facility as their son has addiction issues.

Local resident Raquel agreed there is a strong need for these facilities on the Island.

“(We are) for it, absolutely. There’s such a huge problem you can see it everywhere throughout B.C., throughout Canada, with drug addiction. There aren’t enough facilities, there should be wait lists for people that need help. So I think we need more.”

Qualicum Beach resident Barb also attended the open house and was initially concerned this would be a recovery house for those still in detox, but was pleasantly surprised after talking to on-site Island Health representatives.

“I think that they’re going to have trouble getting it through because people do not understand that addiction is a disease and it needs a hospital, and that’s what a treatment centre is. And there is no guarantee they’ll stay clean and sober, but it’s a start. I’m all for it!”

The concept forthe 19-bed addictions treatment centre located near Parksville City Hall was first introduced by Island Health during a June 19 council meeting.

It’s described as a “live-in program for individuals from Vancouver Island seeking intensive treatment for problematic substance use.”

No drug or alcohol consumption will be permitted on-site.

Parksville resident Jerrod was also in favour, saying it would benefit local residents seeking this kind of treatment who would otherwise have to leave their community support networks to find help elsewhere.

“This will really partner well, dovetail well with some of the other services that are happening here in our community, and it will just be another further step for people to transition, partially people now who feel ostracized and are living on the street, transition from the street to a place with self-sustainability, and it really promises to be a good thing.”

Island Health provided lots of information about the proposed addictions treatment centre during their public hearing on Aug. 2. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

However, not all who attended are in favour.

A long-time Parksville couple who live near the proposed treatment centre said the downtown was not the place for it, especially in a “tourist area.”

The couple, who preferred to remain anonymous, told NanaimoNewsNOW before they entered the open house worried the social impacts of addiction would only get worse if this centre was approved.

Once they left event their minds were left unchanged.

“It’s going to be a beautiful facility, it’s in the wrong place. And it used to be like a seniors lodge, and I don’t know what they did with the seniors. And the two people I asked, they said they don’t know. So I don’t know. But it’s a fabulous idea (just wrong spot).”

Fellow neighbours, who also wished to remain anonymous, echoed those sentiments.

Concerns included how the facility plans to keep the immediate neighbourhood safe from potential loitering, vandals, or drug dealers who often prey on addicts while in vulnerable stages of recovery.

According to Island Health, a staff of nurses will be on-hand 24/7, video surveillance will be installed outside of the building, the main door will be locked from the outside, and mobile security will patrol the area.

Visitors would also need to confirm their identities before being allowed inside.

Island Health said they will work closely with community partners and the RCMP to help mitigate any concerns or risks.

Clients will also have to remain on-site for their entire stay, and can only leave the facility with an approved escort for pre-planned events.

The facility plans to be a 90-day voluntary admission program for those over the age of 19 who live on Vancouver Island.

It would involve nearly 30 employees in a range of medical disciplines and support staff.

Parksville residents will have another opportunity to speak their mind on this proposal during a virtual open house on Aug. 9 from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.

For more information on how to participate, email MHSUinfo@islandhealth.ca.

Funding for the treatment centre will be provided by the ministry of mental health and addictions as part of their investment for additional treatment beds across the province.

Establishing an addictions treatment centre on the central Island area is viewed by Island Health as filling a critical service gap for the central and north Island area.

Prior to ongoing community outreach efforts, Parksville council will then be asked to either advance the addictions centre concept to the public hearing phase or reject the proposal.

Upwards of three votes in favour will be required by council before the treatment facility vision can come to fruition.

Island Health earlier stated it would take several months to convert the existing space into a suitable treatment centre before it could open.

Located at 188 McCarter St., the proposed treatment 19-bed treatment centre would be staffed 24/7. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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

jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow

by Jordan Davidson

‘Promises to be a good thing:’ Parksville residents weigh in on proposed addictions treatment centre

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