Duncan and the wider Cowichan Valley are facing a growing crisis that can no longer be ignored. Homelessness, addiction, overdose risk, public safety concerns, and pressure on local emergency services are all connected. These are not separate problems. They are symptoms of a community that urgently needs a stronger pathway toward recovery, stability, accountability, and hope.

The City of Duncan is in desperate need of a dedicated recovery home for homeless individuals battling addiction. In 2023, statistics showed that 406 individuals experienced homelessness in Duncan. Even more concerning, 81% of those cases were chronic homelessness, meaning people were not simply facing a short-term housing setback. Many were trapped in long-term instability, with limited access to the kind of structured support needed to rebuild their lives.

Local shelters and support services are already stretched. Emergency responders, outreach workers, health-care providers, community organizations, businesses, families, and residents are all seeing the same reality: the current approach is not enough.

The impact of the crisis is also being felt through overdose-related emergencies. In Duncan and North Cowichan, overdose-related emergency calls reportedly increased by 21%, rising from 819 previous calls to 997 calls in 2024. These numbers represent real people, real families, and real trauma happening in our community.

A 2025 report also highlighted an alarming incident in Cowichan where approximately 80 individuals suffered poisoning within 24 hours, completely depleting naloxone supplies at the Canadian Mental Health Association shelter. That kind of emergency should be a wake-up call for every level of leadership.

Duncan is part of Vancouver Island, a region that has reported some of the highest overdose death rates, ranging from 62 to 109 deaths per 100,000 people. These numbers are not just statistics. They are a warning that people are dying, families are grieving, emergency systems are under pressure, and the community needs a better response.

This petition calls for the establishment of a 10-20 bed recovery home in Duncan for homeless individuals facing addiction.

This is not simply about providing a bed. It is about creating a structured recovery environment where people can begin to stabilize, receive support, build accountability, and work toward a healthier future.

A recovery home could help provide:

• A safe and stable place for people ready to begin recovery
• Structure, routine, and accountability
• Support for individuals transitioning out of homelessnes
• Connection to recovery services, counselling, health care, and community supports
• Relief for overwhelmed shelters and emergency services
• A better pathway than repeated crisis calls, street survival, overdose risk, and short-term responses
• Hope for individuals, families, businesses, neighbourhoods, and the broader community

This is not about taking sides. It is not about ignoring public concerns. It is not about pretending the situation is simple. It is about recognizing that Duncan needs real solutions. 

People who are homeless and battling addiction need more than judgment. They need more than emergency responses. They need more than temporary shelter. They need a pathway that includes recovery, responsibility, dignity, support, and accountability.

At the same time, residents, businesses, families, and community members deserve to see meaningful action being taken. A recovery home can be part of a serious community response that supports both vulnerable individuals and the safety and well-being of Duncan as a whole.

We are calling on local government officials, community leaders, health organizations, service providers, and all levels of government to prioritize the creation of a recovery home in Duncan.

We need leadership. We need cooperation. We need action.

Duncan cannot solve homelessness and addiction through debate alone. Comments on social media may start conversations, but signatures help show decision-makers that the community wants solutions.

By signing this petition, you are supporting the creation of a recovery-focused pathway for people who need help, while also supporting a healthier, safer, and more compassionate Duncan.

Please sign this petition to support the establishment of a recovery home in Duncan for those who need it most.

A comment can start a conversation. A signature can start a movement.