A recent poll released by Leger reveals that a number of British Columbians are very concerned about the state of their downtown core. In fact, when compared to the rest of Canada, BC stands out regarding how they feel about this issue.
When asked “over the past year, would you say the state of the downtown core of the closest major city to where you live has…” either significantly declined or somewhat declined, 54% of those surveyed responded yes to those questions. Breaking that down further, 31% said it has declined significantly.
What is important in this poll is that the issue of the decline of downtown cores like New Westminster is not solely considered one of policing. The issue of mental illness and a lack of supports (including housing) featured prominently.
When the pollster further asked “how much have the following factors contributed to the decline in the state of the downtown core in the closest major city to where you live…” a whopping 89% of respondents noted mental health issues for vulnerable populations. This was followed closely behind at 88% for those who indicated housing was an issue.
It’s clear to anyone who walks in the downtown cores of our cities throughout British Columbia, we have a major problem. We didn’t need a survey to tell us that. I just had the opportunity to visit a number of smaller communities and mid-sized cities in BC this month and the issue of homelessness and mental illness is noticeably worse than it was only a few years ago.
The bigger problem here is the lack of government response when it comes to providing adequate mental health supports and housing. Despite Victoria saying all the right things, in the summer of 2022 countless British Columbians are still living on the streets – many of whom are clearly suffering from mental illness, brain injuries and drug addiction.
It’s important to note that when it comes to drug addiction, this often can be directly linked back to the issue of mental illness and a lack of treatments.
That’s why when I was asked by Global TV to be interviewed regarding this survey I gladly accepted. I did it in the hope we can have a respectful and meaningful discussion leading up to the civic election about the important need for the provincial and federal governments to provide adequate mental health supports.
I think the time has also come whereby we should be discussing the important need to invest in a modern, compassionate and community-based mental health facility that is capable of providing large scale support. It is sorely needed in the Lower Mainland and the time to enter this discussion is now.
Nobody wants to rebuild another Riverview. In 2022 we have the opportunity to use modern building practices to construct a facility that will provide compassionate treatment models. It will also help to house and provide the clinically necessary treatments for those who are currently wandering our streets. That approach should be considered as progressive.
I’m glad to see the issue is slowly appearing on the radar of our provincial politicians and local media. It gives me hope we are one step closer to helping those most in need.
