The region is going to move forward on a plan for a bridge barrier in St. Catharines.
After a lengthy discussion at a Public Works Committee meeting this morning, Regional Councillors voted in favour of a recommendation from the Acting Medical Officer of Health.
Dr. Musafa Hirji recommended the barrier be built on the Burgoyne Bridge to deter attempts.
St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik says the silver lining behind this dark cloud is that they're also coming up with more ways to enhance mental health services in the region.
The concerns have been front and centre after a number of incidents at the downtown bridge.
In the last three months, there have been 3 additional three additional deaths by suicide at the location.
The barriers will cost close to $4-million dollars
The recommendation still needs to be approved at an upcoming council meeting.
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Suicide Prevention and Crisis/Distress Services Niagara:
Those at immediate risk for suicide call 911
If you or someone you know is in crisis or at risk for suicide:
COAST 1-866-550-5205 x 1 (Adults 16+)
Pathstone Mental Health 1-800-263-4944 (Children and Youth)
Distress Centre Niagara 905-688-3711 (St. Catharines, Niagara Falls and Area all ages)
Crisis Services Canada 1-833-456-4566
Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 24/7 texting service is accessible immediately to youth anywhere in Canada by texting TALK to 686868
Jeunesse J’ecoute 1-800-668-6868 TEXTO to 686868 to reach a French-speaking Crisis Responder
First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line 1-855-242-3310
Ontario Text and Chat Service:
Dial 741741 from a mobile device - service available 2 – 7 p.m., 7 days a week
Centralized Access Services for Mental Health, Addictions and Community Supports in Niagara:
Mental Health and Addictions Access Line: 1-866-550-5205 Ext 2 (Adult 16+)
Contact Niagara: 1-800-933-3617 (Children and Youth)
InCommunities: 211 (all ages)
Other Helpful Urgent and emergency resources:
Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Youth Line 1-800-268-9688
Domestic Violence Hotline : Gillian's Place 905-684-8331
Sexual Abuse Hotline: Niagara Sexual Assault Centre- 905-682-4584
Child Abuse Hotline: Family and Children's Services- 1-888-937-7731
Emergency Shelters : Southridge 905-682-9901 Salvation Army 905-684-7813 (Full list available through 211)
Youth Shelter : The RAFT 905-984-4365 Nightlight (905) 358-3678 (Full list available through 211)
Adult Mental Health Urgent and Walk in services: Canadian Mental Health Association (times and locations of walk in available through Mental Health and Addictions Access Line – 1-866-550-5205 ext 2 Child and Youth Urgent and Walk in Services : Pathstone Mental Health 1-800-263-4944
Parent Resouce: Parent Talk Line 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7555
Family Resources: Mental Health: Family Mental Health Support Network 905-894-6808
Substance Abuse Urgent/prompt services: Community Addiction Services of Niagara 905-684-1183
Alcoholics Anonymous: Niagara (905) 682-2140
Housing Help (905) 984-8955
Seniors Services: Gatekeepers 905-684-0968