Prince Albert City Councillors have voted to reject a proposed emergency shelter in the West Flat area, despite the growing need for such facilities in the community.
The decision was made during a heated council meeting on Tuesday, with many residents and community organizations expressing their disappointment and frustration.
The proposed shelter, which would have been operated by the Lighthouse Supported Living organization, aimed to provide temporary housing for individuals experiencing homelessness in the West Flat area. It was set to have 20 beds and offer support services such as meals, laundry, and access to mental health and addiction resources.
However, some councillors argued that the location of the shelter was not suitable, citing concerns about safety and the potential impact on property values in the area.
Mayor Greg Dionne, who voted against the proposal, stated that the city needs to find a better location for the shelter, one that is not in a residential area.
But supporters of the shelter argued that the West Flat area is in desperate need of such a facility, as it has a high concentration of individuals experiencing homelessness and a lack of resources to support them.
In a statement, Lighthouse Supported Living expressed their disappointment with the decision, stating that the shelter would have provided much-needed support to vulnerable individuals in the community.
The rejection of the proposed shelter has sparked outrage among community members and organizations, who are calling on the city to reconsider their decision and find a suitable location for the shelter.
This decision comes at a time when homelessness is a growing issue in Prince Albert, with the latest Point-in-Time Count showing a 20% increase in the number of individuals experiencing homelessness since 2018.
The city council’s decision to reject the proposed emergency shelter has left many questioning their commitment to addressing this pressing issue and providing support to those in need.
As the debate continues, it is clear that more needs to be done to address homelessness in Prince Albert and find solutions that benefit both the community and those in need.
