North Battleford city council held their meeting online via Zoom. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW staff)

By Angela Brown

Transitional residence

City holds off on decision involving Residential Care Facility

Oct 29, 2021 | 12:08 PM

North Battleford city council is mulling over a request for a discretionary use application to establish a Type II Residential Care Facility at a home in the northeast part of the city.

The Lighthouse Serving the Battlefords organization, under the umbrella of The Lighthouse Supported Living Inc., made the request for the site located at 1671-104 Street in North Battleford at this week’s council meeting.

The city received numerous calls and letters from area residents opposed to the proposal. Council ended up tabling the matter to another meeting as it awaits more information.

Currently, three people live at the facility. The Lighthouse hopes to add up to 10 more for a 13-person home. While two staff are employed at the facility now, more staff will be hired if the program participants increase. Under a Type I facility, four residents are allowed. But more than that requires a Type II permission. The organization plans to move to 24-hour supervision if there are more participants in the program.

Joannie MacLean, Director of the Lighthouse Serving the Battlefords, said in her report the aim of the program is to support participants to live as independently as they are able.

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The residents will be supported to develop life skills, as well as confidence to live as independently as possible.

The city received many phone calls and 49 letters from area residents opposed to the proposed use. Many of the area residents were concerned how the proposal might impact neighbourhood safety.

One of the Lighthouse representatives said the facility, which is owned by the Lighthouse, is a home, not a shelter. There will not be any come and go traffic. He said the program participants respect themselves and each other, and are safe.

Council asked the Lighthouse to provide a letter of support for the proposal from the local social services branch. Mayor David Gillan said he would like to see some community engagement by the Lighthouse. The city also asked to have the outstanding taxes on the property resolved.

City junior planner Brett Kitchen said in his report the city is aware of the need for transitional living in North Battleford, and council has supported similar projects in the past.

Ultimately, council accepted administration’s recommendation to table the matter until the public’s concerns are addressed by the applicant, taxes are current, and more information is provided about the facility operations.

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow