The public hearing will be held April 23 at 7 p.m. at the town office. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

council meeting

Public hearing called for homeless shelter relocation

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The Town of La Ronge will host a public hearing in respect to a development permit application and bylaw amendment request from Kikinahk Friendship Centre.

Kikinahk aims to convert the Waterbase Inn along the La Ronge Avenue into a homeless shelter. The centre has received funding from the federal government to purchase the property.

At a regular council meeting on Tuesday, Mayor Joe Hordyski, along with councillors Abby Besharah, Ryan Veteri and Jordan McPhail, voted to allow for the public hearing to proceed, while councillors Matthew Klassen, Terry Hunt and Viviana Ruiz-Arcand voted against it.

“This is a really hard one because I believe in the intention and the positive outcome of the projected project, I’m just not convinced that the 303 La Ronge Avenue is the right place for it, and it doesn’t align with our downtown revitalization plan,” Ruiz-Arcand said. “For that reason, as much as I want to be in favour, no.”

Hordyski stated whatever comes out of the debate on the subject, it will be a big decision and it will have a significant impact on the community.

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Ahead of the public hearing to be held on April 23 at 7 p.m. at the town office, the public is invited to submit written comments about their thoughts on the potential project. Council will also hear from all persons who are present at the meeting and wish to speak on the matter.

Every property owner within 75 metres of the Waterbase Inn will also be informed of the potential zoning bylaw change and the development permit application.

Read more about Kikinahk’s plan to convert the Waterbase Inn into a homeless shelter online here.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com