Media Release: Crisis Centre of BC disappointed by vote against suicide prevention barriers on Granville Street Bridge
Crisis Centre of BC disappointed by vote against suicide prevention barriers on Granville Street Bridge
Vancouver, BC – March 11, 2026 – The Crisis Centre of BC is deeply disappointed by Vancouver City Council’s decision on March 10 to remove funding for suicide prevention barriers on Granville Bridge from the 2027-2030 Capital Plan.
For the Crisis Centre of BC, this vote is about more than infrastructure. It is about whether we are willing to act on a known, evidence-based way to save lives.
“When we talk about suicide prevention barriers, we are talking about people,” said Stacy Ashton, Executive Director of the Crisis Centre of BC. “We are talking about someone’s loved one, someone who may be experiencing one of the most difficult moments of their life.”
Suicide prevention barriers are the most effective way to prevent deaths at bridge locations. The Centre believes Vancouver has an opportunity, and a responsibility, to move this work forward with urgency.
“This is not abstract,” said Ashton. “This is about whether a person in crisis encounters a protective interruption that creates space for help and safety, or whether they continue to face access to a deadly means. That difference matters. It can be the difference between life and death.”
“Suicide barriers on bridges should not be optional. The City installed suicide prevention barriers on Burrard Bridge in 2017, and there have been no deaths by suicide since. On the Granville Bridge, there have been six deaths since 2019. Delays cost lives.”
The Centre continues to support funding from all levels of government for building suicide prevention barriers. But advocacy alone is not enough for individuals, families, and communities who are living with the reality of suicide and its devastating impact.
“Every suicide has a ripple effect,” Ashton said. “It impacts families, friends, co-workers, first responders, witnesses, and entire communities. Prevention matters because people matter. A suicide-safer city is one that chooses to act before more lives are lost.”
The Crisis Centre of BC calls on all levels of government to work together to advance life-saving suicide prevention measures on the Granville Street Bridge.
“Bridges should be places that connect us,” said Ashton. “They should not remain places where people are left vulnerable in moments of profound crisis. We remain committed to advocating for measures that protect life.”
Get Support
If you’re having thoughts of suicide, please call or text 9-8-8.
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 310-6789.
Media Contact
Stacy Ashton
Executive Director, Crisis Centre of BC
604-872-1811 x224
Jeffrey Preiss
Director, Development & Communications
604-872-1811 x222
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