Vancouver mayor criticizes B.C. over involuntary care beds

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim is criticizing the B.C. government for leaving the city out of new involuntary care funding announced Friday by Premier David Eby. Eby said the province will open two new facilities, including a 72bed site in Prince George and a 60bed site in Surrey, as part of its plan to expand involuntary care capacity. Sim argued that Vancouver, which he says faces the province’s heaviest burden of addiction, mental health, and public safety challenges, was overlooked. The province says it is still looking for other sites, including in the Okanagan and on Vancouver Island, but no new Vancouver beds were announced. Critics say the city needs more treatment and recovery infrastructure now, especially in areas such as the Downtown Eastside.