Northwest gets a bit closer towards hopes for a Regional Detox Centre

The Regional District of Kitiamt-Stikine is leading the way in the northwest towards seeking out a much needed health resource,  with the organization recently putting forward plans to create a Select Committee to work towards the creation of Detox Centre for the region.

At their most recent Board Meeting, RDKS officials outlined the scope of their plan towards advocating for such a facility to serve the Northwest.

The details were provided as part of a staff report posted to the RDKS Agenda for their August meeting.

A proposal towards a Northwest Detox Centre
from the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine
(click to enlarge)

 

The committee that was created by the RDKS following the August session consists of Terrace city councillor James Cordeiro, Director Tina Etzerza, Director Bruce Bidgood, and Doctors Gregg Linton and Natasha DeSousa.

They have plans to host their first session in early September.

Prince Rupert officials have previously noted the need for such a facility on the North Coast, Mayor Lee Brain making note of that quest back in 2019 as he and the council collective at the time wrapped up that years UBCM convention.

The potential development of such a facility in Prince Rupert dates back to 2016 with a concept outlined towards making use of the old Daily News building for a variety of local services.

Not much has been heard about the initiatives since 2019 for the North Coast, which would seem to make the Terrace plans the one with the most traction at the moment.

In October of 2021, the Province announced plans to invest in a facility for Prince George, though for most in the Northwest, that option would likely be a travel challenge and not a solution to the growing concerns that have been relayed to officials in the Northwest.

The topic of such a facility for Prince Rupert was not one of note for the recent Health Care Forum hosted by North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice on Monday evening at the Lester Centre.

More notes on Provincial themes can be explored through our archive page.