The residents of Baldy Hughes Therapeutic Community have revolted against the facility's management.
The Citizen discovered Thursday that residents had finally had enough after four months of chaos under a new administration and board.
The residents reportedly staged a protest that got the attention of the facility's landlord, BC Housing (an arm of the Ministry of Energy and Mines and Housing under Minister Rich Coleman).
A provincial government source confirmed that this revolt had taken place, leading BC Housing to take over the centre's management.
"We have temporarily assumed the day-to-day operations at Baldy Hughes," said a spokesperson for the ministry.
The centre's overthrown administration took over under a new board chair under eyebrow-raising circumstances four months ago.
The board of directors, now led by Kevin England, had been an administrative body until March when they opted to take personal charge of the operations of the addictions recovery centre.
Key members of senior staff and community supporters parted company immediately thereafter, criticizing the removal of hands-on management in favour of Vancouver-based decision making.
Many more key figures - plus a large number of centre residents - also departed in the weeks and months that followed.
The Citizen was contacted by several sources during that period indicating the facility had become chaotic and recovery of addicts was being compromised.
What BC Housing's role will be in the long-term was not disclosed. Coleman did provide a written statement in advance of the protest.
"Questions have been raised about some recent changes to the board and staff. I understand the concerns as change can often be unsettling, particularly in a community recovery setting where emotional and social needs are often elevated," stated Coleman.
"Minister Shirley Bond and I have met on numerous occasions to discuss the challenges confronting the centre and expect to take action on these issues very shortly.
"We are prepared to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure the centre fulfills its mandate and provides appropriate programs and supports to clients on their journey to recovery."
Ministry staff said a more detailed statement would be forthcoming this morning.
