The History of The New View Society
1970's
New View Society was established in August 1973 in response to the de-institutionalization of patients from Riverview Psychiatric Hospital. Many previous patients were now living in the community, and needed social, recreational or work programs to assist them with community integration. Dr. Shauna Little, Sharon DiSanto, and Kay Swalwell helped form New View Society to meet that need. Originally a drop in center, services in the Dakley building soon expanded to include vocational and educational opportunities.
1980's
In 1983, the Society expanded to meet the housing needs of previous Riverview patients with the purchase of two houses. These houses provided semi-independent living for 10 individuals with some housing support. In 1984, the Society moved into premises at 2050 Mary Hill Road, and started moving towards a clubhouse system.
1990's
In 1990, the Society built Maplewood Manor, an apartment building with 20 independent units. The housing services at New View expanded to provide housing supports to 200 individuals. In the late 1990’s, “The Place” drop-in centre was opened on Elgin Avenue in the commercial section of Port Coquitlam. The drop-in provided recreational and social supports for individuals living with a mental illness in the community.
2000's
In 2003, two additional houses were bought. In total, the four houses owned by New View provided homes for 20 individuals. In 2006, the main building on Mary Hill Road no longer met fire code regulations. A plan was made to create a new building in its place. This new building was to encompass all of New View’s programming needs as well as additional residential housing for 10 individuals.
2010 - 2012
After an extensive capital campaign, the new building was opened in 2011. With this opening, New View was able to expand its’ housing, employment and social recreation programs to also include 3 social enterprise businesses, to better serve the needs of the Tri-Cities. All of New View’s programs are now based out of this building.
Thank you to the Capital Campaign Funders who made the New View Building possible! View the funders.
For news articles on our activities since 2010, go to New View in the News (webpage of news articles 2010 onwards)
Interested in our history from the 1970’s to 2012? You don’t have to download each decade separately; simply download our History Book: Celebrating 40 years.
Interested a member’s view of New View’s history? Take a look at this Member’s Account (covers the 1970’s to the 1990’s).