North Cowichan Council has endorsed an implementation plan to address homelessness, mental health challenges and addictions, recognizing that the situation has become increasingly complex and requires new approaches.
“Our community is facing serious challenges related to mental health, addictions, and lack of appropriate shelter, housing, and care,” said Mayor Rob Douglas. “Council is committed to taking practical steps that improve safety for everyone and support people who need help, while aggressively advocating to the senior levels of government to partner with us on long-term solutions.”
Council approved approximately $265,000 in additional funding to support several actions, including increasing public space custodians from part-time to full-time, expanding refuse-removal efforts, establishing a public portable toilet program, and to provide administrative support for a new Safety and Solutions Advisory Group that will provide a voice for local businesses and residents.
Council has also committed to:
- Advocate for provincially-funded treatment and recovery beds;
- Work with local partners to provide sober housing following treatment;
- Advocate for a provincially-led involuntary care facility for people with complex mental health and addictions needs;
- Revise municipal bylaws to better prevent open drug use;
- Advocate to the federal Crown Counsel for increased prosecutions related to illicit substance use;
- Identify a location for a permanent overnight shelter and a daytime drop-in space;
- Provide municipal land for two supportive housing and two affordable housing projects while securing capital and operating funding from BC Housing.
These actions respond to a wide range of concerns raised by residents and businesses during North Cowichan’s engagement efforts over the past year and a half, including an online survey and a community forum.
Earlier this month, Mayor Douglas also urged the Province and Island Health to consider repurposing the existing Cowichan District Hospital for mental health and addictions care once the new Quw’utsun Valley Hospital opens in 2027.
The number of people experiencing homelessness has grown in North Cowichan, particularly in the Lewis Street and York Road area, which contains the Warmland House Shelter as well as the Cowichan Wellness and Recovery Centre that includes an overdose prevention site. Safety concerns have been raised by residents and businesses, as well as by people experiencing homelessness who face risks both in shelters or on the streets.
North Cowichan is facing challenges similar to municipalities across British Columbia and Canada. National figures from the 2024 point-in-time count show a 107% increase in people who are unsheltered, a 71% increase in people in temporary shelters, and a 62% increase in people in transitional housing compared with 2022 figures.
Learn more about North Cowichan’s plans to improve public safety and address the challenges related to homelessness, addictions and mental health at: connectnorthcowichan.ca/safercommunity