A Surrey woman’s overdose and 11-day delay in discovery spark urgent calls for stronger oversight and drug-free options in B.C. supportive housing.
Overdose Death at Surrey Facility Sparks Urgent Reform Calls
Tragedy Unfolds at Foxglove Supportive Housing
Shock and outrage have followed the death of Diane Chandler, 60, whose body was left undiscovered for 11 days after a fatal overdose at Foxglove Supportive Housing in Surrey. The facility, meant to be a safe haven for vulnerable residents, is now at the center of a heated debate over supportive housing standards in British Columbia.
Family and Officials Demand Accountability
At a Victoria press conference, Diane’s son, Tyler Gibbs, voiced heartbreak and frustration:
“My mom deserved better. If her story leads to change, that will be her legacy.”
Joining him, opposition MLA Claire Rattée condemned the system’s failures:
“This is a failure of every safeguard. Where was the support, the oversight, the care?”
Rattée criticized the government’s explanation that infrequent wellness checks and mistaken identity led to the tragedy. She argued the core problem is the lack of oversight and the normalization of open drug use in these facilities.
Scenes of Open Drug Use Raise Alarms
When Diane’s family collected her belongings, they found 14 crack pipes in her room and evidence of rampant drug use throughout the building. Rattée said, “These actions push people deeper into addiction. We need supportive housing that truly supports—not warehouses—our most vulnerable.”
Opposition Calls for Sweeping Changes
MLAs Rattée and Elenore Sturko are demanding:
- Independent investigations for all deaths in provincially funded housing
- Drug-free supportive housing options
- Expanded mental health and addiction recovery services
Many unhoused individuals, Rattée noted, avoid supportive housing due to drug use and safety concerns.
Government Responds with New Measures
Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon expressed condolences and outlined new policies:
- Wellness checks required if a tenant is unseen for 48 hours
- Better staff training for accurate wellness checks
- Mandatory reporting of critical incidents within 12 hours
Kahlon emphasized the province’s harm-reduction approach, allowing residents to choose whether to use substances privately, while providing access to food, shelter, and services.
The Debate: Harm Reduction vs. Safety
Diane Chandler’s death has reignited debate over how best to help those struggling with addiction. Critics say current policies enable addiction; the government insists harm reduction saves lives.
As the province reviews its approach, Diane’s family and advocates hope her story will lead to real change—ensuring supportive housing is truly safe and supportive.
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