VANCOUVER — British Columbia’s minister of health says the province has opened 26 new treatment beds for people with addictions in four communities over the last several months.

Minister Josie Osborne says the beds in Nanaimo, Kelowna, Prince Rupert and Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside are part of 248 treatment beds that are being funded through the Canadian Mental Health Association.

The ministry says the 26 new spots, which are available at no cost to patients, will help up to 250 people, and more beds will be open by spring.

The latest additions include six beds at the Karis Support Society in Kelowna that opened for pregnant women and women with children, and another six spots at Island Crisis Care in Nanaimo for women who have completed treatment to get longer-term support.

A dozen beds have opened at the Harbour Light Centre in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, which the government says are for women, including transgender and two-spirited people, and two more beds for Prince Rupert’s 333 Recovery Program, which offers Indigenous men culturally focused programs.

Osborne says the expansion is aimed at breaking down barriers in rural communities and for underserved groups, so that no one is left behind.

“When someone reaches out for help with their substance use, they should receive compassionate and effective care,” Osborne says in a news release. “We are expanding services across B.C. so more people have the supports they need to stabilize their lives and begin their healing journey.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 20, 2025.

The Canadian Press