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.
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Article about the potential closure of Pennington,(Penn) Hall:
Riverview patients’ rec room will close
A very short-sighted decision, if this occurs.
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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