Together We Can Expands Recovery Services in North Cowichan

New recovery beds are set to be established in North Cowichan, aiming to support individuals and families affected by addiction in the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD). The organization Together We Can (TWC) is expanding its services to address the growing need for local recovery options.

According to Susan Hogarth, the director of planning and development at TWC, the organization is currently awaiting its licence from the Assisted Living Registry of the provincial government. While they are targeting an official start date of October 1, 2025, services may begin earlier, potentially in mid-October.

“Expanding into North Cowichan has been a two-year journey of planning, collaboration, and listening to community needs,” Hogarth stated. The initiative, developed in collaboration with the Municipality of North Cowichan and community partner CleanupV9L, aims to provide focused bed-based recovery services to the area.

Residents of the Cowichan Valley have faced significant challenges, including rising addiction rates and limited access to recovery services. This expansion seeks to fill that gap by making essential support more accessible within the community. Debra Toporowski, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health, noted, “People experiencing addiction who live in rural communities often face additional barriers in accessing the supports they need on their journey to recovery.”

As part of its strategic plan, TWC is applying for funding from the provincial government to ensure that the new recovery beds are allocated fairly to individuals residing in the region, including both housed and unhoused residents in need of these services.

“The Cowichan Valley is in urgent need of additional treatment and recovery beds to support individuals battling addiction,” said Rob Douglas, Mayor of North Cowichan. He emphasized the goal of making these beds accessible to all community members, regardless of their financial circumstances.

The introduction of these recovery beds is a crucial step toward addressing the pressing addiction crisis in the Cowichan Valley, providing vital support for many who are seeking help. With ongoing efforts from TWC and local government, the community can look forward to improved access to recovery services in the near future.