Editor’s Note: This story contains references to suicide. If you or a loved one is at risk of self-harm, Canada’s mental health helpline can be reached at 988, with the BC Crisis Centre at 1-800-784-2433. Translation services are available.
Vancouver city council passed a motion to add suicide barriers to the Granville Street Bridge, however, amendments to the proposal mean the additions won’t be completed any time soon.
While the motion was approved, councillors did not give approval for the full funding of the project, estimated to be around $20 million.
“The motion was weakened by ABC councillors to commit a third of that funding contingent on finding that funding elsewhere. [Its] delaying it to the next capital plan, which is at best, three to six years away from now,” Coun. Christine Boyle told CityNews.
The motion, brought forward by Boyle on Wednesday, comes after the Crisis Centre of BC issued letters in support of the barrier addition.
“The decision today doesn’t go quite far enough to make sure these barriers get in place as soon as possible,” Boyle added. “The sooner we install this fencing the more lives we’re protecting and saving.”
Stacy Ashton, executive director of the Crisis Centre of BC, says with the Granville Bridge currently under construction, it is the perfect time to implement suicide prevention barriers.
She says they know suicide barriers work, noting that the Burrard Street Bridge hasn’t seen any suicides since barriers were installed in 2017.
“We know that suicide barriers have a 93 per cent reduction in suicides,” Ashton explained.
There have been over 20 jumping incidents and six fatalities from the Granville Street Bridge since 2016
“I have lost two friends to suicide on local bridges as so many people have been and we all wish those people were still here,” Boyle shared, adding that the barriers need to be installed immediately, as many lives are at risk.