Province of Ministry of Parliament Buildings British Columbia Health Victoria British Columbia

OFFICE OF THE MINISTER V8V 1X4

February 26, 1986 MO 500/C:MH

His Worship Len Traboulay Mayor of the Corporation .

of the City of Port Coquitlam 17 2272 McAllister Avenue MAR 1 Port Coquitlam, British Columbia 1086 V3C 2A8

Dear Mayor Traboulay:

Thank you for your letter of January 30, 1986, requesting clarification on the future of Riverview Hospital in view of recent advertisements and statements in the press suggesting the closure of the hospital is imminent. .

For the past six months, my Ministry has heen engaged in an extensive process of public consultation to develop a plan which addresses the pressing need to replace outdated buildings at Riverview/Valleyview, while at the same time, improving the mental health care system around the Province. Over 150 submissions have so far been received and made available for public review through area Mental Health Centres, Community Care Teams, and Riverview and Valleyview Hospitals. A Status Report summarizing all these submissions 1s attached for your information, and you will receive a copy of the draft Mental Health Plan for review and comment when this is prepared for public circulation in March, 1986. Following responses to this draft, a Mental Health Plan will be finalized for Cabinet consideration, likely in early summer.

It is quite possible that the Mental Health Plan, which is to be developed and finalized over the next few months, will recommend a reduction in the capacity of Riverview/Valleyview in favour of corresponding development of other hospital facilities and services regionally located to meet the care requirements of some patients.

Of course, no decision has been made at this time other than to develop a plan in a consultative manner with all interested parties. Once a finalized plan is approved, implementation is expected to take place over several years to allow time for the construction of new facilities required at the present site or elsewhere. I would welcome your views as to how my Mintstry can work with your officials over the coming months and years to address municipal interests, while improving the Province's mental health care system.