A new building on the Riverview lands will soon provide improved mental health care services for youth and individuals with developmental disabilities and concurrent mental-health and/or substance-use disorders.

Government and community partners gathered at the site today to celebrate the next step in the development process for the new home of the Maples Adolescent Treatment Centre for Youth and the Provincial Assessment Centre.

The B.C. government has committed $75 million to the construction of this purpose built, state-of-the-art facility.

These multi-disciplinary mental-health services add to a system of care for British Columbians, providing an improved network of support and treatment teams.

The design and construction contract for the facility has been awarded to PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc. through a competitive bid process. Construction is expected to be complete in winter 2018, with occupancy planned for spring 2019.

The Province will work with the City of Coquitlam and Kwikwetlem First Nation to fully develop the project plans and ensure that appropriate permits and approvals are confirmed before construction.

Today’s ceremony follows the December 2015 announcement of two new buildings that will be constructed on the Riverview lands to house three B.C. government programs. In addition to the Maples Adolescent Centre and the Provincial Assessment Centre, a new purpose-built facility is planned for the Centre for Mental Health and Addiction.

(flickr.com)

Quotes:

Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development and Minister Responsible for Housing –

“Having comprehensive supports in place is a key part of improving outcomes for those who need it most. This new facility will expand on existing health services, supporting vulnerable British Columbians with mental health and addictions issues.”

Stephanie Cadieux, Minister of Children and Family Development –

“The youth who come to the Maples facility have often experienced significant trauma and need a calming, supportive environment where they can recover and heal. The design of the new facility will make use of natural light, soothing colours and the green spaces at Riverview to create a therapeutic environment that meets the individual needs of each youth in our care.”

Michelle Stilwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation –

“The new building will help Community Living BC provide effective services at the Provincial Assessment Centre by creating an enhanced therapeutic environment that is more efficient to operate. Being located in a community setting will also support integration and improve the experience of families and the outcomes of patients who have a developmental disability and require intense supports for up to three months. This is good news for people who depend on this valuable service.”

Amrik Virk, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services –

“I’d like to acknowledge all of the partners who are working together to create this state-of-the-art health care facility that will provide specialized services for British Columbians and their families. We aim to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design while offering supportive surroundings through the materials selected for the building.  ”

Chief Ron Giesbrecht, Kwikwetlem First Nation –

“Riverview lands have always been important to our Nation. Today, we join with the Province to celebrate a new phase of development that honours our cultural connection to these lands and where we work together as partners towards a renewed community of wellness.”

Key Facts:

• Riverview Lands is a 99-hectare (244-acre) site in Coquitlam, home to 75 buildings.
• The B.C. government has held title to the land since 1904, and its primary use since 1913 has been mental-health care (Riverview Hospital).
• In 2013, the Province gave BC Housing the mandate to create a plan for the future of Riverview. The visioning process began in early 2014, which resulted in a Vision for Renewing Riverview, released December 2015. BC Housing has now entered the master planning phase, informed by this vision.
• Riverview is currently home to several health facilities, on-site businesses, and is one of the top filming locations in B.C.

Learn More:

A Vision for Renewing Riverview: http://renewingriverview.com/the-project/vision/
Maples Adolescent Treatment Centre: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/maples/index.htm  
Provincial Assessment Centre: www.communitylivingbc.ca/individuals-families/provincial-assessment-centre/