Advocates who want to ensure the Riverview Hospital lands are kept in public hands are holding a rally Sunday with the goal of getting their message out to voters and politicians prior to the May 9 B.C. election.
A spokesperson for the Coalition for a Healthy Riverview said the gathering will bring several groups together to raise awareness about the need to keep the 244-acre property for future mental health needs, including the establishment of a centre of excellence for mental health.
"So many people want to keep Riverview in public hands, coming at it from slightly different angles, we would like to send a single message to all of our elected representatives," Nancy Furness said.
The group has made progress in raising awareness of the issue in the last several months, according to Furness, garnering over 3,500 names on a petition and a 900-member following on the Coalition for a Healthy Riverview Facebook group.
From 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. April 30, there will be speakers on various topics, including local MLAs and an MP, a nurse, local naturalists and a musician.
Entrance to the Riverview grounds for the rally is via Colony Farm Road and there will be people to direct traffic. Participants should be aware that there are no washroom facilities on site.
