CLOSE
Read All Latest NewsCITY OF LANGFORD AND WEST SHORE DEVELOPERS STEP UP FOR TRADES MENTAL HEALTH; URGE REGION TO JOIN SUPPORT FOR THE FORGE
(Langford, B.C.): Tradespeople across Greater Victoria are facing a mental health crisis. To help address it, the City of Langford and the West Shore Developers Association (WSDA) have each committed $5,000 to The Forge, a new trades-focused mental health and recovery hub being built in Langford by the Construction Foundation of BC. Together, they are inviting other municipalities, business owners, builders and developers across Greater Victoria to join the effort.
The WSDA, which represents developers and builders in the West Shore area, invited the City of Langford to match their donation. Council unanimously approved the request on August 18th and is taking it one step further to challenge others to do the same.
The Forge, located at 2775 Spencer Road, is being transformed into a safe, peer-driven space where tradespeople can access free mental health and substance use supports. The Forge will serve trades workers from across the region, addressing the urgent need for support in an industry that has been hit hard by mental health and addiction challenges.
“The City of Langford stands united with the tradespeople who have built our communities,” said Scott Goodmanson, Mayor of Langford. “Our support is more than a financial donation; it is a statement of solidarity for the tradespeople who have built the communities we call home. It is now our turn to stand with those who stood with us, and we’re calling on our neighbours across Greater Victoria to do the same.”
Across Canada, the suicide rate in construction is more than three times the national average. In B.C., studies show that 30 to 50% of men who died of opioid related causes were trades workers. The Forge will provide free counselling, recovery coaching, peer mentorship, aftercare, and employment supports designed for the realities of life in the trades.
“Tradespeople are at the heart of our communities, yet too many are struggling in silence,” said Ron Coutre, President of the WSDA. “These aren’t just statistics, they’re our neighbours, employees, family, and friends. The Forge will provide practical, stigma-free support close to home. We’re proud to stand behind it, and we urge other builders, developers and municipalities to step up so The Forge can open as soon as possible.”
“The Forge is about creating a hub for healing, dignity and connection,” said Mike Manhas, Director of Philanthropy for The Forge. “With support from the WSDA and the City of Langford, we’ve taken an important first step. Our goal is to raise $500,000 so we can complete the recovery of the building. Every contribution counts and every day we wait means more tradespeople go without the help they need.”
The City of Langford and the WSDA are urging municipalities, businesses, and community leaders across Greater Victoria to support The Forgethrough donations and by spreading the word, so that tradespeople can access the help they so urgently need.
-30-
About the Forge
The Forge was created to respond to the skilled trades’ mental health crisis. With input from tradespeople who have lived experience, the program is building supports that foster trust, reduce stigma, and connect workers to resources that help them on their path to wellness.
The approach is simple: tradespeople supporting tradespeople.
Donations to the Capital Campaign will help transform this once-troubled site into a permanent hub of connection, healing, and support. Funds will go toward:
- Renovation and revitalization of The Forge clubhouse
- Accessible design
- Furnishings and equipment
- Technology and infrastructure
- Outdoor gathering spaces
To learn more or to donate visit: cfbc.ca/enter-the-forge/
MEDIA CONTACT
Harriet D’Costa,
Communications Advisor
Cell: 250-661-9346
Email: