Tough love for today’s hard cases
Clearly 100 beds isn’t enough. An assessment was done of one of the unused Riverview Hospital buildings, but Coleman said that would have cost too much and taken too long. Negotiations are underway on another property somewhere in the Fraser Valley that can be opened sooner, at less cost.
Where in the Fraser Valley? That’s confidential for now. “If we get a chance to close on it, you’ll know.”
"I wonder if the assessment was of the boiler house? Deepest,darkest Fraser Valley, out of sight out of mind." Ed.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Media for September
Tri-Cities News article: Riverview gets cities' support
The Union of British Columbia Municipalities
has endorsed Coquitlam's resolution, to retain the lands in public hands.
Here is the released resolution in full:
B116 RETAINING RIVERVIEW LANDS Coquitlam
WHEREAS the Riverview Lands are significant to British Columbia's heritage and history, in that the Lands were set aside over 100 years ago to be a sanctuary and residential treatment facility for the mentally ill and to be the site for a provincial botanical garden;
AND WHEREAS the Riverview Lands are valued throughout the province as the home to British Columbia's primary mental health care facility, as an important heritage site, as a treasured botanical garden/arboretum and as a sanctuary for all;
AND WHEREAS they represent an unique opportunity for economic development, that will benefit all citizens, through undertaking initiatives which are congruent with the original long-term vision for the property - e.g., a campus focussed on research and development concerning physical and mental health and welfare;
AND WHEREAS by working together, there are tremendous opportunities to create a future plan for Riverview that reflects the goals and priorities of local residents, the region, and numerous interest groups from across the province:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of British Columbia Municipalities urge the provincial government to retain the Riverview Lands in public ownership, that its ongoing use as a mental health facility be respected, that they be managed in a manner that is consistent with the original long-term vision for the property - and not as a site for market housing, and that the heritage buildings, landscapes, and arboretum be protected and preserved for the benefit of all British Columbians.
ENDORSED BY THE LOWER MAINLAND LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION UBCM RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: No Recommendation
UBCM RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE COMMENTS:
The Resolutions Committee notes that UBCM membership has not taken a position on the disposition of the Riverview lands.
UBCM members have endorsed previous resolutions requesting provincial support to fund services and support for individuals with addictions and mental health problems (2007-B153, 2006-B50; 2006-B51; 2005-B49; 2005-B3; 2003-B132; 2000-A3). Many of these resolutions have also acknowledged local government's role as a key partner.
The Committee would note that subsequent to this resolution being endorsed by the Lower Mainland Local Government Association, the sponsor revised the wording of this resolution in response to UBCM's request to ensure that resolutions submitted for consideration be of local government concern, province-wide.
---------
Article about the potential closure of Pennington,(Penn) Hall:
Riverview patients’ rec room will close
A very short-sighted decision, if this occurs.
--------
Local newspaper article: Gravestones unearthed in backyard
Here is a bit more information about Alfred.....
Alfred Alexander: patient number; 2244
Died in May 2, 1940, aged 75 years. Alfred lived at Essondale for 31 years;8 months;3 days. Cause of death was; lobar pneumonia and chronic myocarditis.
Gravestones trigger memories
Mission project builds hope for the homeless
Treefest
The Union of British Columbia Municipalities
has endorsed Coquitlam's resolution, to retain the lands in public hands.
Here is the released resolution in full:
B116 RETAINING RIVERVIEW LANDS Coquitlam
WHEREAS the Riverview Lands are significant to British Columbia's heritage and history, in that the Lands were set aside over 100 years ago to be a sanctuary and residential treatment facility for the mentally ill and to be the site for a provincial botanical garden;
AND WHEREAS the Riverview Lands are valued throughout the province as the home to British Columbia's primary mental health care facility, as an important heritage site, as a treasured botanical garden/arboretum and as a sanctuary for all;
AND WHEREAS they represent an unique opportunity for economic development, that will benefit all citizens, through undertaking initiatives which are congruent with the original long-term vision for the property - e.g., a campus focussed on research and development concerning physical and mental health and welfare;
AND WHEREAS by working together, there are tremendous opportunities to create a future plan for Riverview that reflects the goals and priorities of local residents, the region, and numerous interest groups from across the province:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of British Columbia Municipalities urge the provincial government to retain the Riverview Lands in public ownership, that its ongoing use as a mental health facility be respected, that they be managed in a manner that is consistent with the original long-term vision for the property - and not as a site for market housing, and that the heritage buildings, landscapes, and arboretum be protected and preserved for the benefit of all British Columbians.
ENDORSED BY THE LOWER MAINLAND LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION UBCM RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: No Recommendation
UBCM RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE COMMENTS:
The Resolutions Committee notes that UBCM membership has not taken a position on the disposition of the Riverview lands.
UBCM members have endorsed previous resolutions requesting provincial support to fund services and support for individuals with addictions and mental health problems (2007-B153, 2006-B50; 2006-B51; 2005-B49; 2005-B3; 2003-B132; 2000-A3). Many of these resolutions have also acknowledged local government's role as a key partner.
The Committee would note that subsequent to this resolution being endorsed by the Lower Mainland Local Government Association, the sponsor revised the wording of this resolution in response to UBCM's request to ensure that resolutions submitted for consideration be of local government concern, province-wide.
---------
Article about the potential closure of Pennington,(Penn) Hall:
Riverview patients’ rec room will close
A very short-sighted decision, if this occurs.
--------
Local newspaper article: Gravestones unearthed in backyard
Here is a bit more information about Alfred.....
Alfred Alexander: patient number; 2244
Died in May 2, 1940, aged 75 years. Alfred lived at Essondale for 31 years;8 months;3 days. Cause of death was; lobar pneumonia and chronic myocarditis.
Gravestones trigger memories
Mission project builds hope for the homeless
Treefest
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Media for July
The old Willingdon site in Burnaby, reopening to deal with addictions, and mental health.
Addiction facility opens in former Burnaby jail
New facility a first of its kind in B.C
Addictions centre opens Monday
Addiction facility opens in former Burnaby jail
New facility a first of its kind in B.C
Addictions centre opens Monday
Monday, June 9, 2008
June 2008
New mental health facility a return to institutional care
Homeless problem is too serious to ignore
Riverview Horticultural Centre Society,(RHCS), members receive Coquitlam's group Environmental award for 2008
A report: Regionalised tertiary psychiatric residential facilities (PDF) blah,blah,blah...
Homeless problem is too serious to ignore
Riverview Horticultural Centre Society,(RHCS), members receive Coquitlam's group Environmental award for 2008
A report: Regionalised tertiary psychiatric residential facilities (PDF) blah,blah,blah...
Friday, May 2, 2008
Media for May
May 28: Keep Riverview as is, say B.C. chamber members
Chamber lobbies for Riverview lands
more bricks in the wall.
UBC Farm, is also under threat. Check out the FaceBook,(ack!) group: Save the UBC Farm
The Friends of the UBC Farm
The "Official" UBC Farm website
Read An article concerning the fate of UBC greenspace
----------
May 9, Globe & Mail
SAFE INJECTION SITE
Canada needs to show it cares about most vulnerable
Insite must stay open
SAM SULLIVAN, Mayor of Vancouver
You have all read about international surveys ranking Vancouver as one of the best places in the world to live, work and visit.
But for every one of those, you will also read about the social challenges of homelessness, drug addiction and mental health facing our city.
Recently, these issues have been raised in the context of the debate around Vancouver's safe-injection site (Insite) - the only one in North America. Some opponents have described Insite as a big party with free drugs. As mayor, I see it more like a palliative care facility.
Despite apparent reservations about the future of Insite, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his government deserve credit for significant federal investments in drug treatment, prevention and mental health. Over $30-million will be allocated to Vancouver priorities thanks to these recent announcements.
These initiatives - combined with the B.C. government's leadership on social housing - have led to a renewed sense of hope that collaboration between all levels of government is a reality and a critical part of the solution for Vancouver. We are working hard to ensure new supportive housing investments meet local demand - recognizing that we have more than 3,000 units of social housing on the way for the 1,500 Canadians homeless on Vancouver streets.
The Mental Health Commission of Canada is recognizing the Downtown Eastside as a national issue and charting a new course to help people suffering with the concurrent disorders of mental illness and drug addiction.
Among other things, we are promoting prevention, street outreach teams, innovative treatment options and community partnerships to help women get out of the survival sex trade.
In the fall, beds will start to reopen at the Riverview mental-health facility in Metro Vancouver. Canada's first Community Court will open this summer in the Downtown Eastside. And at the end of next month - Canada's operating permit for Insite expires.
The renewal of Insite is an opportunity for the federal government to demonstrate its commitment to compassion and listening to the "grassroots." The longer Insite remains open, the more our community supports it. In fact, some who were opposed to the site are now for it.
Failure to seize this opportunity will lead to more overdose deaths and infectious disease. A negative decision also has the potential to erode much of the goodwill generated by the recent actions I have described.
As Mayor of Vancouver, I have made it clear that I fully support the continuation of Insite - as much as I endorse the recent federal commitment to address concurrent disorders in Vancouver.
The bottom line is that Insite is part of the solution in Vancouver - not part of the problem. By working together and responding to local priorities we can deliver hope, collaboration and a civil city from the bottom up - not the top down.
We can show the world in 2010 how a civil society can care for some of its most vulnerable and marginalized peoples. It is a challenge I know Canada can live up to.
We won't have a second chance.
-----
The Clinical lab and consult services, consisting of 14 staff, moved last April to Oak House, part of the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital at Colony Farm. The were previously ensconced in North Lawn which is now totally uninhabited. They will continue to service Riverview Hospital from their new digs...
The Provincial heritage board, has declared Riverview Hospital as a heritage site. The City of Coquitlam, is still continuing to encourage the Federal government to also give the site heritage status. A brick at a time, will build the wall to preserve the site...
Chamber lobbies for Riverview lands
more bricks in the wall.
UBC Farm, is also under threat. Check out the FaceBook,(ack!) group: Save the UBC Farm
The Friends of the UBC Farm
The "Official" UBC Farm website
Read An article concerning the fate of UBC greenspace
----------
May 9, Globe & Mail
SAFE INJECTION SITE
Canada needs to show it cares about most vulnerable
Insite must stay open
SAM SULLIVAN, Mayor of Vancouver
You have all read about international surveys ranking Vancouver as one of the best places in the world to live, work and visit.
But for every one of those, you will also read about the social challenges of homelessness, drug addiction and mental health facing our city.
Recently, these issues have been raised in the context of the debate around Vancouver's safe-injection site (Insite) - the only one in North America. Some opponents have described Insite as a big party with free drugs. As mayor, I see it more like a palliative care facility.
Despite apparent reservations about the future of Insite, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his government deserve credit for significant federal investments in drug treatment, prevention and mental health. Over $30-million will be allocated to Vancouver priorities thanks to these recent announcements.
These initiatives - combined with the B.C. government's leadership on social housing - have led to a renewed sense of hope that collaboration between all levels of government is a reality and a critical part of the solution for Vancouver. We are working hard to ensure new supportive housing investments meet local demand - recognizing that we have more than 3,000 units of social housing on the way for the 1,500 Canadians homeless on Vancouver streets.
The Mental Health Commission of Canada is recognizing the Downtown Eastside as a national issue and charting a new course to help people suffering with the concurrent disorders of mental illness and drug addiction.
Among other things, we are promoting prevention, street outreach teams, innovative treatment options and community partnerships to help women get out of the survival sex trade.
In the fall, beds will start to reopen at the Riverview mental-health facility in Metro Vancouver. Canada's first Community Court will open this summer in the Downtown Eastside. And at the end of next month - Canada's operating permit for Insite expires.
The renewal of Insite is an opportunity for the federal government to demonstrate its commitment to compassion and listening to the "grassroots." The longer Insite remains open, the more our community supports it. In fact, some who were opposed to the site are now for it.
Failure to seize this opportunity will lead to more overdose deaths and infectious disease. A negative decision also has the potential to erode much of the goodwill generated by the recent actions I have described.
As Mayor of Vancouver, I have made it clear that I fully support the continuation of Insite - as much as I endorse the recent federal commitment to address concurrent disorders in Vancouver.
The bottom line is that Insite is part of the solution in Vancouver - not part of the problem. By working together and responding to local priorities we can deliver hope, collaboration and a civil city from the bottom up - not the top down.
We can show the world in 2010 how a civil society can care for some of its most vulnerable and marginalized peoples. It is a challenge I know Canada can live up to.
We won't have a second chance.
-----
The Clinical lab and consult services, consisting of 14 staff, moved last April to Oak House, part of the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital at Colony Farm. The were previously ensconced in North Lawn which is now totally uninhabited. They will continue to service Riverview Hospital from their new digs...
The Provincial heritage board, has declared Riverview Hospital as a heritage site. The City of Coquitlam, is still continuing to encourage the Federal government to also give the site heritage status. A brick at a time, will build the wall to preserve the site...
Friday, April 11, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
Media for March
A report just released: Housing and Support for Adults With Severe Addictions and/or Mental Illnesses in British Columbia PDF in reviewing other articles from the authors, they appear to be highly critical of the downsizing of Riverview...
Other Ministry of Health publications available here
Nice letter to the Tri-City news; Premier needs lessons in history, philosophy
Somewhat related story, from Burnaby. Could Willingdon be sold for development
This property is also Provincially owned, by US.
Northwest transit route chosen by both Coquitlam ( couns. Asmundson, Stewart, MacDonell opposed ) and PoCo ( couns. Moore, Crowe opposed ) councils...Relieves a small amount of the pressure. Port Moody votes today,(Tuesday,March 11) they should fall in line.....Well they voted and it passed (couns. Mike Clay and Shannon Watkins opposed)
Other Ministry of Health publications available here
Nice letter to the Tri-City news; Premier needs lessons in history, philosophy
Somewhat related story, from Burnaby. Could Willingdon be sold for development
This property is also Provincially owned, by US.
Northwest transit route chosen by both Coquitlam ( couns. Asmundson, Stewart, MacDonell opposed ) and PoCo ( couns. Moore, Crowe opposed ) councils...Relieves a small amount of the pressure. Port Moody votes today,(Tuesday,March 11) they should fall in line.....Well they voted and it passed (couns. Mike Clay and Shannon Watkins opposed)
Friday, February 15, 2008
The Media for February 2008
Coquitlam NOW; Coleman denies new Riverview plansTri-City News; R'view dev't. fears fanned
Vancouver SUN, Letter; Reserve Riverview solely for two challenges
Article; A new breed of the mentally ill puts B.C. families near chaos
Letter to Editor, replying to these articles: Riverview is a perfect setting for mental health care
Face to Face: The Riverview Hospital grounds -- develop them or save them?
Preserve valuable piece of heritageGood plans for Riverview lands
Letter to Editor; Riverview expansion jeopardizes fish life Feb 20, 2008
Expansion, not downsizing, of Riverview Hospital Feb 20, 2008 Iain Black MLA
Possibility that Riverview may get some hard-core cases
Mentally ill to get 100 'stabilization' beds on Lower MainlandB.C. facility will treat those with mental illness and drug addictions
Mental-health advocate needed in Vancouver, says Deal
A long article from the Vancouver Courier;
Sanctuary of hope?
>>>>>> Translink route options have your say! <<<<<<
As part of the consultation process, Coquitlam has developed a newsletter outlining the route options, which will be available at all City facilities by Wednesday, February 20. As well, the newsletter content will be available online at the Coquitlam City website along with links to the TransLink site for additional background information. Port Moody
Port Moody Feedback
Port Coquitlam residents will have an opportunity to express their reviews on route choices during a public input session March 10.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Rich Colemans visions for Riverview
Vancouver Sun articles: Riverview revamp grows in scope
Column: Riverview an unsettling trip down memory lane
Further research into the model hospital used....
Surrey County Pauper Lunatic Asylum; Springfield Asylum; Springfield (Mental) Hospital
Location Map
Springfield Hospital Background
Springfield Hospital Regeneration programme
Homer Simpson & R.Coleman would get along well at Springfield.
Column: Riverview an unsettling trip down memory lane
Further research into the model hospital used....
Surrey County Pauper Lunatic Asylum; Springfield Asylum; Springfield (Mental) Hospital
Location Map
Springfield Hospital Background
Springfield Hospital Regeneration programme
Homer Simpson & R.Coleman would get along well at Springfield.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Proposed Evergreen line articles
The Now;
Lots of questions on routes:
Town hall to cover Evergreen route:
Tri-City News;
Council has many Evergreen queries:
Riders from R'View?:
Letters; Readers weigh in on Evergreen decision:
New Westminster; Record:
Woodlands Restoration costs go from $1.6 to $36 mil
And for the historians among us, Internet Archive has recently received early BC magazine editions,(1907-1911) downloadable as PDF's and other formats, the site can be a bit slow, I find it runs best late at night.
Page 822 of the November 1912 edition has an article about Coquitlam, and a picture of West Lawn:
Lots of questions on routes:
Town hall to cover Evergreen route:
Tri-City News;
Council has many Evergreen queries:
Riders from R'View?:
Letters; Readers weigh in on Evergreen decision:
New Westminster; Record:
Woodlands Restoration costs go from $1.6 to $36 mil
And for the historians among us, Internet Archive has recently received early BC magazine editions,(1907-1911) downloadable as PDF's and other formats, the site can be a bit slow, I find it runs best late at night.
Page 822 of the November 1912 edition has an article about Coquitlam, and a picture of West Lawn:
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Riverview to be included Coquitlams Heritage Register
Regular Council Meeting Agenda - January 21, 2008
Report of General Manager Planning & Development
- Proposed Inclusion of Riverview in Coquitlam’s Community Heritage Register
Yeah, for all the hard work that Coquitlam council, staff and especially the volunteers put in years of time and effort into making this designation a reality.
Download the PDF document, that outlines why it should be included HERE.
Articles in the local Wednesday, January 23, 2008 newspapers. The NOW
And the, Tri-City News
The debates continue.....
Report of General Manager Planning & Development
- Proposed Inclusion of Riverview in Coquitlam’s Community Heritage Register
Yeah, for all the hard work that Coquitlam council, staff and especially the volunteers put in years of time and effort into making this designation a reality.
Download the PDF document, that outlines why it should be included HERE.
Articles in the local Wednesday, January 23, 2008 newspapers. The NOW
And the, Tri-City News
The debates continue.....
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
FHA's shady investments
Some of you may wonder why, the proposed Fraser Health's Cypress Lodge is not already under construction on the Riverview site. This tri-cities news story may shed a little light on the subject.
http://www.bclocalnews.com/tri_city_maple_ridge/tricitynews/news/13720012.html
Makes you wonder what they were thinking investing in what anybody with any sense at all knew has been a problem area for many years now. This was OUR money! Cypress Lodge, was supposed to break ground in October,2007
http://www.bclocalnews.com/tri_city_maple_ridge/tricitynews/news/13720012.html
Makes you wonder what they were thinking investing in what anybody with any sense at all knew has been a problem area for many years now. This was OUR money! Cypress Lodge, was supposed to break ground in October,2007
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