Suicide barriers needed on Vancouver's Granville Bridge: motion

WARNING: This story contains discussion of suicide.

Granville Island and the Crisis Care Centre of B.C. have issued letters of support for a city council motion asking for suicide prevention barriers along Vancouver's Granville Bridge.

Coun. Christine Boyle with OneCity, who is bringing forward the motion, says funding for the Granville Bridge suicide prevention fencing should be committed soon.

Statistics show a high number of emergency calls, related to suicide or mental health, were reported at the bridge that overlooks Granville Island and connects to the city's downtown.

Boyle estimates the cost of fencing is more than $11 million, with the motion going before Vancouver city council next Wednesday.

"Without a clear commitment from council, my worry is that it will continue to get put off from one capital plan to the next," Boyle said.

Ongoing construction of cycling and pedestrian pathways, as part of the Granville Connector project, is expected to be complete this fall. 

The price tag for upgrades to the Granville Bridge are estimated to cost $50 million.

Boyle wants a new updated cost estimate for the suicide barriers, and said the pandemic caused a shift in plans. 

"Because of the cost and budget pressures during COVID, that fencing got delayed in the plans for the Granville Bridge," the councillor said.

Sense of urgency needed: councillor

Boyle said there needs to be a sense of urgency to have the barriers put in place.

Recent statistics from Vancouver Police show Granville Bridge had the second-highest number of calls linked to suicide or mental health in 2023.

Boyle's views on the need for suicide barriers on the bridge are echoed by Lisa Ono with the Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation, which manages Granville Island.

Ono said the fencing is needed to help save lives, and not having barriers results in more trauma — not only for people who are in crisis and their families, but also first responders who take part in rescue attempts and others who see the incidents.

"Witnessing that is very traumatic," Ono said. "We've had cases of staff and visitors witnessing these tragedies and it's very, very impactful."

The Crisis Centre of B.C. has also supported the barriers on the bridge.

Stacy Ashton, the centre's executive director, said the barriers offer a critical opportunity for intervention.

"The heartbreaking reality is that people attempting suicide from the bridge are acting in moments of crisis," said Ashton.

Several other organizations have also joined the call for suicide barriers.

That includes the Canadian Mental Health Association, the Vancouver Regional Construction Association, UNE Local 20378, the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association and the South Granville Business Improvement Association.

If you or someone you know is struggling, here's where to get help:

• Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988.

• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868. Text 686868. Live chat counselling on the website.

• Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Find a 24-hour crisis centre.

• This guide from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health outlines how to talk about suicide with someone you're worried about.