Rehab operator walks away

Photo: Contributed

Michelle Jansen with her son, Brandon, who passed away from a fentanyl overdose on March 7, 2016.

In the face of wide opposition from the neighbourhood, the operator of a Penticton recovery centre has pulled the plug on efforts to open a similar six-bed facility in Osoyoos.

Town manager Barry Romanko told councillors Monday the municipality had received several complaints that the Brandon Jansen Memorial Foundation was illegally operating a recovery centre at a home on Harbour Key Drive.

The municipality also received several letters opposed to a rehab centre that residents believed was proposed for nearby Bayview Crescent.

“This allegation has been very time consuming for staff and council, and a stressful environment for the neighbourhood and community as a whole,” Romanko said.

In response, the town sent warning letters to the foundation.

“Information was shared with the town that the Brandon Jansen Foundation is not operating a supportive recovery centre... and has subsequently decided to abandon their efforts to establish a supportive recovery centre in Osoyoos,” Romanko said.

The Brandon Jansen Memorial Foundation also faced significant hurdles opening a recovery centre in Penticton. The location it initially selected was bought out from under the foundation by a group of neighbours opposed to the idea. It has since started operating a recovery centre at an undisclosed location in the city.

The Brandon Jansen Memorial Foundation is not registered with Interior Health, reports the Vancouver Sun. Facilities with more than two beds are required to be on the assisted living registry.  The Penticton facility is believed to have three beds. 

Michelle Jansen started the foundation after her son died of drug overdose in 2016.