Okanagan mayors propose mandatory addiction care facility

Mayors from across the Okanagan region are advocating for the establishment of a mandatory care facility to address the growing addiction crisis. Regional leaders, including the mayors of Kelowna, West Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon, and Oliver, along with representation from the Osoyoos Indian Band, intend to present this proposal to provincial ministers at the upcoming Union of B.C. Municipalities meeting.

The group is specifically proposing that a portion of the Okanagan Correctional Centre (OCC) in Oliver be converted into a secure facility for mandatory care. Leaders argue that traditional voluntary treatment models are insufficient given the prevalence of potent drugs like fentanyl and xylazine. They suggest that converting the OCC would be more cost-effective than constructing new facilities and would provide the necessary stabilization for individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others.

According to regional officials, the province requires approximately 2,500 beds for this type of approach. While the province has shown interest in similar facilities in other areas like Prince George, Okanagan leaders are emphasizing the need for a local solution to manage the scale of the regional challenge.