Page 17 - Mayor Caucus News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

Article content British Columbians have been battling a pandemic for almost a year, doing everything we can to keep our communities safe. On the sidelines of COVID-19, another crisis continues to rage, and it has reached a tipping point in our communities. A deadly drug supply and the effects of untreated addictions and severe mental illness are visible daily on our streets, doorways, in our parks, and — in more remote and rural areas — in forests and secluded places where people are a long way from help. Many of our downtowns are struggling as a result. But this is not only a big city is...

Both Eby and Malcolmson received mandate letters from Premier John Horgan directing them to work toward providing “an increased level of support — including more access to nurses and psychiatrists — for B.C.’s most vulnerable who need more intensive care than supportive housing provides.” In light of that, the mayors envision a test run at five sites — each with 40 to 50 beds — for people who continue to slip through the cracks despite the government’s investment in temporary housing at former hotels and motels. “In a nutshell, we’re talking about folks who are at harm ...