North Cowichan Mayor Rob Douglas released the following statement Sunday regarding Health Minister Josie Osborne's decision to reject a proposal to repurpose the existing Cowichan District Hospital for other medical uses once the new regional hospital opens in 2027:

"It is disappointing that the Ministry of Health has decided not to support further exploration of the proposal brought forward by North Cowichan and other local governments in the region to repurpose the Cowichan District Hospital as a secure treatment facility for people living with severe mental illness and substance use disorders.

"I recognize that the hospital is an aging facility and that any future treatment centre would require significant investment, upgrades, and careful planning.

"However, the hospital continues to serve our community as a regional healthcare facility, providing care to thousands of patients each year.

"Given that reality, it is difficult to reconcile the conclusion that the building's useful life cannot be extended to support this important purpose while meeting the needs of our region.

"I encourage the Province to reconsider its decision and ensure that all viable options have been thoroughly evaluated before moving away from an opportunity that could help address one of the most pressing health challenges facing our region and British Columbia.

"As we heard during our recent meeting with Premier David Eby, where we discussed the challenges facing our region, repurposing existing public infrastructure can be significantly more cost-effective than building new facilities.

"At a time of growing fiscal pressures on all levels of government, making the best possible use of existing public assets is both a practical and responsible approach."

North Cowichan, with support from other local governments, wrote Health Minister Josie Osborne on Dec. 1, 2025, asking the province to “explore re-purposing the existing Cowichan District Hospital site as a centre for addiction treatment and recovery, as well as a psychiatric facility for individuals with severe mental health and substance use challenges….”

Osborne responded with a brief letter dated June 29, 2026, saying “the facility has reached the end of its functional life and is not being considered for alternate uses.”

The existing hospital opened its doors in 1967.