Kootenay-Boundary municipalities unite to address mental health, housing, and toxic drugs crises

The cities of Trail, Nelson, and Castlegar municipal governments have come together and resolved to develop a unified regional strategy to address the urgent and growing challenges of mental health, addiction, homelessness, and toxic drugs. Read the resolution here.

“This is a powerful example of what we can achieve when we come together with a shared vision,” said Mayor Jones. “This regional approach reflects our commitment to ensuring that no one in our communities is left behind.”

This resolution responds to the growing need for detox, rehabilitation, and supportive housing services, which are not fully meeting the needs of the region. Individuals are often forced to relocate in order to access care. This regionally-endorsed strategy calls on the Province to expand treatment services, fund housing and shelter infrastructure, and support specialized policing and crisis response teams.

While the Union of BC Municipalities has historically supported similar province-wide initiatives, this resolution reflects a distinctly regional approach. It emphasizes the need for localized, community-led solutions and urges the Province and federal government to provide targeted funding through mechanisms such as the Provincial Policing and Public Safety Fund and the federal Reaching Home program.

This united municipal front demonstrates a proactive, coordinated effort to ensure that rural and remote communities are not left behind in addressing complex social challenges.