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Crisis Centre B.C. tweets opposition to Vancouver councillor's attempt to re-open Burrard Bridge debate

by Charlie Smith on May 24th, 2016 at 3:22 PM
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      This morning, NPA councillor George Affleck unveiled a notice of motion calling on city staff to re-examine a plan to put higher fences along the Burrard Bridge to discourage people from committing suicide.

      Affleck's motion makes the case that professional opinion is divided over the issue. It is scheduled to be be presented at the May 31 Vancouver city council meeting, even though a majority on council already voted last year to put the barriers in place.

      Meanwhile, Affleck's notice of motion is getting a rough ride from Crisis Centre B.C., which helps prevent people in distress from killing themselves.

      Here are some tweets that went out this afternoon on the organization's Twitter feed:

      A city staff report stated last year that there were, on average, 0.8 suicides per year from the Burrard Bridge over a five-year period ending in 2011. That adds up to four deaths.

      There is help available for those who are thinking about committing suicide in B.C. They can call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433), as well as a mental-health support line (604-310-6789) and a seniors distress line (604-872-1234). From noon to 1 a.m., there are also online chat services for youths at www.youthinbc.com/ and for adults at www.crisiscentrechat.ca/.

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