Dawson Creek mayor urges Mental Health Minister for solutions for substance use disorders

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — During a regular council meeting last week, Dawson Creek council voted in favour of sending a letter to Mental Health and Addictions Minister Jennifer Whiteside.

In the letter, City of Dawson Creek Mayor Darcy Dober said the provincial government has acknowledged some of the issues and the need for solutions for those fighting substance use disorders but would like an update on when those solutions can be expected in the northeast.

“While we’ve seen the Province take initiatives to improve the system for mental health and addictions in cities such as Vancouver, we need to know when better solutions are coming for us,” Dober wrote. 

“There is evidence of broken systems all over our city, and patience, compassion, and belief in our systems are running low as people try to cope.”

According to Dober, the homeless population has been increasing and “becoming more visible” in Dawson Creek, and the old strategies, such as homeless shelter beds and safe supply, are insufficient.

The letter stated there has also been an outcry from businesses and residents regarding their safety and the safety of their assets.

“While we don’t think mental health and addictions amongst the homeless population are responsible for all of our problems, there are some stories that directly correlate,” Dober wrote.

The examples in the letter include people camping outside businesses, fires being started right beside buildings, a bank closing its 24-hour ATM and a teenager being forced to quit their job because it’s unsafe to walk alone when it’s dark outside.

“We have expectations for ourselves as local government to find opportunities for all of our residents to have safe, healthy, and satisfied lives,” Dober wrote.

He said in a community of less than 13,000, over 100 people identify themselves as homeless.

“We look to the provincial government to share their vision for a path forward and practical solutions to help vulnerable populations not just survive the night but also, those who are interested, find their way forward to a better life.”

The proposal to council and the letter from Dober can be found below: