A sobering center in the United States/via Reuters
The BC government is not going to be moving forward with a proposal for a sobering center in Kamloops.
In a statement to Radio NL, the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions has confirmed earlier reports that a revised business plan put forward by the City of Kamloops for a sobering center is not in the cards.
“We know the City has brought forward a proposal for a sobering centre in the past, and we’re committed to continuing to work with Interior Health, the City, and all partners to urgently expand mental health and addiction care for people in the area,” said the Ministry in its statement. “At this time, there are no plans for a sobering centre in Kamloops.”
The statement goes on to provide a list of services that are available for people dealing with addiction issues.
The revelation comes on the heels of a Coroner’s Inquest into the death of a man in Kamloops jail cells in 2019, which has recommended a sobering center be established in Kamloops.
Randy Lampreau died on March 13, 2019 after being arrested the night before for public intoxication.
“Randy’s death is heartbreaking, and our thoughts are with his family and friends,” said the Ministry in its statement. “The Ministry will be reviewing the recommendations once received from the coroner and will be responding within the 60 days timeframe.”
Councillor Dale Bass, who has championed the concept, says the decision by the Ministry and Interior Health is disrespectful to Kamloops.
“I didn’t expect when I was elected last term that I would still be fighting for an issue 5 years later. I just didn’t. I thought Interior Health cared about Kamloops,” said Bass. “For 8 years, we have been asking for this. A Coroner’s Inquest has just said we need it immediately, and the very next day after I read that, I’m told, too bad, so sad, we’re not doing it.”
In December of 2023, the City of Kamloops authorized sending a revised business plan to the province for its continued push for the creation of a sobering center.
A business case outlined the need for a 10-bed facility, to run 24/7, where vulnerable people can go — or be taken — for a safe place to stay while they’re intoxicated.
At the same time, Interior Health has left the door open for Kamloops to try again in the future.
“Business plans like the one submitted to Ministry by the city are approved provincially, and we will continue to have discussions with the Ministry on where sobering centres, with the appropriate medical oversight, may fit into broader service planning in Kamloops and Interior Health,” stated the Health Authority in a separate statement to Radio NL. “We are open to further discussions on a sobering centre and how it fits into the broader continuum of expanding substance use services offered in Kamloops.”
Nanaimo was granted funding for a sobering center in 2022, while Prince George saw its bid for a sobering center confirmed last year.
“Back in 2014, I brought it up with others on council, and in 2015, there was a meeting with partner agencies that was initiated by a City Committee on the creation of the Sobering Centre,” said Councillor Nancy Bepple in December when the revised business case for the Kamloops sobering center was brought before council. “This is not a new initiative, but it is time we try to get it moving. Prince George has a sobering centre and if Prince George has one, then we ought to have one.”
