Whereas in 2022, the BC Emergency Health Services reported a 75 total increase in annual overdosepoisoning events since the toxic drug crisis was declared a public health emergency in 2016 and the BC Provincial Overdose Cohort reports that brain injury is 15 times more likely among people who had experienced drug poisoning than those who had not; And whereas the number of supports available for individuals requiring complex care due to health challenges related to substance use disorder has proven grossly inadequate for the ever-increasing demand in communities all across British Columbia: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the Province to increase investment in complex care beds to address the growing demand from those who have suffered serious health impacts from substance use disorder.
Ministry of Health Complex Care Housing CCH is designed for people with significant health needs who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Residents may have mental health or addiction challenges, brain injuries, intellectual or developmental disabilities, chronic illnesses, andor mobility issues. As of April 1, 2025, CCH services are in place for more than 570 people across the province, and an additional 240 units are in development. Abbotsford, Burnaby, Kamloops, Kelowna, Nanaimo, New Westminster, Prince George, Sechelt, Surrey, Vancouver, and Victoria have all been selected to receive a portion of 200 new purpose-built units. The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs are working closely with BC Housing, regional health authorities, municipal partners, non-profit operators, and other interested and impacted parties to identify and advance development opportunities. The remaining 40 units will be Indigenous-led. The Province is working closely with Indigenous groups to identify partners and priority communities.