PRRD sets aside $250K for Foundry Fort St. John amid urgent calls for youth mental health supports
DAWSON CREEK – Mental health supports for children and youth are sorely needed in the North, something Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka has seen firsthand in his community.
When Foundry Fort St. John gave a presentation to the Peace River Regional District’s board meeting on February 26, asking for support to secure capital contributions to bring “this vital social infrastructure to the community”, Krakowka felt it was something the PRRD “should be supporting, somehow, someway.”
Foundry is seeking to secure $1.6 million in contributions, over and above the $1.5 million in capital being provided by the Ministry of Health. The presentation to the PRRD was just one of several Foundry has undertaken in recent weeks as part of its capital campaign.
Krakowka put forward a recommendation that the Board use whatever funds are left in the Health-Related Services Function in the budget to support Foundry’s capital costs.
“Obviously [with] the tragedy that’s happened in the region, we need to jump on this and help these children and youth out.”
The recommendation isn’t just about Tumbler Ridge’s tragedy, Krakowka said, but is something that’s been needed for a long time in the whole region.
“I know exactly what’s happened in Fort St. John before Christmas and in Chetwynd. This is something that’s needed long before this,” he said. “It’s going to be so important for our children.”
The PRRD’s Chief Financial Officer, Roxanne Shepherd said that there is $250,000 available in the function, which could be used to support Foundry’s capital plans.
In the ensuing discussion, directors brought forth different ideas to help Foundry secure funds, including Chair Brad Sperling’s suggestion that the Ministries of Mental Health and Addictions, and Children and Family Services should also be approached to help provide capital funds.
“We should be putting something in too, but I think we should also be going after these other two ministries,” Sperling said. “The money that they’ve got for operations and capital [so far] is coming from the Ministry of Health.”
Area B Director Reid Graham noted that in their presentation, Foundry revealed that they have a partnership they’re waiting to announce, and he wondered if that partnership would be helping with funding, “before we throw out a random number.”
Fort St. John Director and Mayor Lilia Hansen replied that information about the partnership will be released in a few weeks, but she says the partnership doesn’t include direct financial support. Sources have confirmed both the timeline Hansen described and the non-financial nature of the partnership.
Adding a South Peace voice in support of Krakowka’s recommendation, Dawson Creek Director Darcy Dober said: “It’s critical to step up at all times when it comes to our youth.”
Directors voted to requisition the $250,000 and hold it until another delegation by Foundry Fort St. John comes before the Board.
With funds potentially available locally and partnerships advancing quietly, the PRRD’s push could help accelerate much-needed youth mental health infrastructure in the Peace Region.
Thanks for reading! Original work by Tania Finch. If you’re inspired by this piece, feel free to share with credit and a link back — that’s how local stories spread fairly.