There’s widespread agreement that more services are needed to combat B.C.’s toxic drug crisis, but the seaside community of Parksville is wrestling with whether an addictions treatment facility belongs in its downtown.
The question of whether to approve the rezoning of 188 McCarter St. so Island Health can open a 19-bed addictions treatment centre for adults will be on the table at a public hearing next month.
The property, formerly Elizabeth Manor Seniors Home, is currently zoned for seniors care. The requested change would include the option for a seniors facility, but also allow a mental-health or addictions-treatment facility.
Island Health representatives told council last week that participants in the voluntary 90-day abstinence-based treatment program would be assessed to ensure they’re suitable for the program, which is not for those who are actively using substances, medically unstable or a risk to themselves or others.
“This is not a harm-reduction program. People will undergo intensive treatment. They will learn recovery skills and they will be participating in recovery groups,” they said.
When participants complete the program, they will return to their home communities via transportation provided by Island Health, they said.
A community-led advisory committee would be established as well, council heard.
Council had sought more pubic engagement, including open houses, on the idea after Island Health’s application was filed in mid-June.
In the summer, two open houses were held, resulting in 55 comments. Of those, 56 per cent were in favour of the facility, 25 per cent were opposed, and 18 per cent were neutral or wanted more information, Island Health data showed.
Island Health agreed to a restrictive covenant limiting use of the site, which could not be used for harm-reduction or overdose-prevention services such as supervised injection or needle exchange.
A third-party appraisal concluded that rezoning the site would not influence market values of nearby properties, Island Health representatives told council. The 12,701-square-foot building would be leased by Island Health.
When some council members questioned the planned location, an Island Health representative said the opportunity was put out for public bids but no other properties met the criteria.
Parksville, with a population of 13,600 according to the 2021 census, relies heavily on the tourism industry. Visitors flock to the community every summer to enjoy its vast beach.
Coun. Amit Gaur said the biggest concerns raised by residents are about safety in the neighbourhood and community at large. The centre would be close to Berwick Parksville on Jensen Avenue, a major seniors’ centre, and a daycare centre.
Coun. Joel Grenz said he supports the goal of tackling the toxic-drug-overdose crisis, but is concerned about the location and impact on downtown businesses.
“This application I must admit really frustrates me because it should be a clear slam dunk ‘Yes.’ ”
Grenz opposed having the public hearing in November, calling for a later date to give the Parksville and Qualicum Beach Tourism Association time to make a presentation to council.
The proponent has done a good job for the most part in addressing downsides related to the proposal, Grenz said, but the downtown is striving to become more vibrant and a place where businesses can benefit from tourism.
Other council members noted that the association could comment at the public hearing or provide information to city hall ahead of time.
Coun. Mary Beil said the facility could benefit downtown, since staff who will work there will likely frequent area restaurants and businesses.
Coun. Sean Wood said that along with the treatment program, the city would obtain three full-time outreach workers paid for by Island Health.
The community is in “dire need” of the services the workers would provide, he said, adding they would alleviate pressure on RCMP and the fire and ambulance services.
“That’s a very very big bonus for the city of Parksville.”
The public hearing is set for Nov. 22 at 6 p.m.
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