(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Working directly with the Government of Alberta

Permanent emergency housing project discussions moving ahead following council decision

Nov 16, 2021 | 12:03 AM

Red Deer city council has given City administration the go ahead to work with the Government of Alberta on what the future permanent emergency housing project will look like in Red Deer.

During their regular meeting Monday, council brought former in camera decisions to the open meeting to allow for these discussions to take place in public.

“Our number one priority as council is to get a permanent emergency housing site built and operational so our vulnerable population have a consistent safe place to go, day and night. This project is absolutely critical for our community,” said Mayor Ken Johnston. “The operating model council supports will provide wrap around services, a place for people to go that is safe and also provides them the support they need to one day be able to have a permanent place to call home. We have handed the baton over to administration to be able to take the next steps on making this a reality.”

Council also directed administration to work with the Province on the neighbourhood integration strategies that will support the surrounding area, and community as a whole once the facility is operational. A location for the emergency shelter has not yet been determined.

“Administration is going to work with the Province to lay the ground work for a successful outcome-based operating model at the site, as well as seamlessly integrating the site into our community. The work that is done in advance of construction will help to achieve that,” said Mayor Johnston “Every person is impacted by homelessness in one way or another, supporting those who are struggling to get back on their feet is imperative to the overall success of our community, not just those who will access the services.”

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Once the facility is built, the Government of Alberta will be responsible for contracting service providers to operate it.

A Special Meeting is set for Nov. 29 to discuss the matter further.

In 2019, the Provincial government announced $7 million to fund a permanent shelter in Red Deer. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by The City and the Province in November 2020 that outlines mutual intentions for a quality, purpose-built shelter.