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pressing need to replace outdated buildings at Riverview/Valleyview,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.