Three city councillors are set to present two separate notices of motion to address the mental health crisis in Northern British Columbia by calling on the province to establish a secure psychiatric care facility in Prince George, complete with adequate funding for both initial capital costs and ongoing operations.
One motion will come from councillors Garth Frizzell and Trudy Klassen, while a separate motion will come from Coun. Kyle Sampson. Both motions will come before council on Monday, Oct. 21, with the notices of motion on the agenda for council’s meeting on Monday, Oct. 7.
Dr. Barb Kane, a local advocate for better mental health care, recently highlighted the urgent need for enhanced psychiatric resources with a petition, stating, “Northern communities have been experiencing a critical lack of access to the highest level of psychiatric care. This deficit is putting an unnecessary strain on families, local police, and hospitals, exacerbating issues like homelessness, drug use, and street crime.”
Frizzell and Klassen say their motion underscores the challenges stemming from the deinstitutionalization of mental health care in the late 20th century, which many experts deem unsuccessful in meeting the needs of vulnerable populations. Key issues cited include inadequate funding, fragmented service and insufficient legislative support, leading to overwhelmed regional hospitals and community services.
The proposed facility would provide long-term secure psychiatric services essential for improving individual well-being and enhancing community stability.
Frizzell and Klassen emphasize that no amount of community support can substitute for a dedicated psychiatric institution.
Sampson’s proposal emphasizes the urgent need for specialized psychiatric care to alleviate the current burdens on local healthcare facilities. He calls on the city's Intergovernmental Affairs Committee to spearhead efforts to promote the development of a hospital that would cater to individuals with complex psychiatric, addiction, and mental health needs.
“The need for involuntary compassionate care is at an all-time high, and waiting for these services is no longer an option,” wrote Sampson, referencing the pressing issues faced by the community. He highlighted overcrowded hospitals and the increasing strain on emergency services as critical factors necessitating the establishment of a dedicated psychiatric facility.
The proposal also seeks to advocate for changes to provincial legislation to allow for involuntary treatment and admission of individuals who cannot recognize their need for care. Additionally, it calls for support of Kane’s petition.
Kane’s petition has highlighted several challenges currently facing Northern BC, including:
- Hospital overcrowding: Long-term psychiatric patients occupying essential beds in general hospitals.
- Limited access to care: The closure of Riverview Hospital in 2012 has left a significant gap in available services, forcing patients to rely on overcrowded local hospitals.
- Increased violence and strain on emergency services: Patients with psychiatric needs often end up in non-specialized areas of hospitals, leading to safety concerns for both patients and staff.
Kane and her supporters argue that without a dedicated facility, the community will continue to grapple with rising homelessness, untreated mental health issues, and associated crime.
Sampson’s motion also calls for the development of a communications strategy to promote the initiative and rally support from other municipalities across Northern BC.
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