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CTV News Vancouver | Riverview in Focus

THE HISTORY OF RIVERVIEW

Overlooking the Coquitlam River, the psychiatric institution still widely known as Riverview was established to treat British Columbians with the most severe mental illnesses in a relaxing setting. In the end, it would prove to be both a sanctuary and a place of torment for its patients.

RECONCILIATION AND A NEW NAME

In 2021, the province renamed the former Riverview lands səmiq̓ʷəʔelə (pronounced sum-EEK-wu-ELL-ah) in an act of reconciliation with the Kwikwetlem First Nation, who are partners in the decision-making process for the site.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Penny Daflos is a veteran reporter with CTV News Vancouver who has covered a vast array of issues in B.C.'s health-care system.