VIDEO – OH CANADA –
June 3, 2025 – Containing 18 beds across two buildings on the site of the women’s jail, the facility will provide specialized care for individuals, both men and women, struggling with extreme mental-health challenges as well as severe brain injury from repeated drug overdoses.
“These two homes are the first of their kind in British Columbia, designed for individuals with incredibly complex mental-health disorders, who have been certified for long-term involuntary care under the Mental Health Act,” B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne told reporters.
“In many cases, residents may also be living with concurrent disorders such as substance-use brain injuries, which can affect behaviour and safety.”
The announcement follows April’s opening of 10 beds at the Surrey Pretrial Centre for people held by the jail while awaiting trial. Unlike that location, the beds at Alouette Correctional will not be for individuals in custody but rather those being held at secure health-care facilities under the Mental Health Act by Vancouver Coastal Health.
