Project proponent Scott Dakiniewich discusses the proposed Eagle’s Nest Youth Ranch - youth residential care home at Battleford council, Tuesday. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Care home for youth

Proposed Eagle’s Nest youth home raises residents’ concerns

May 22, 2019 | 9:03 AM

Several residents raised their opinions during a public hearing for a proposed youth group home at Battleford town council Tuesday.

Eagle’s Nest Youth Ranch, a non-profit organization, has applied for a discretionary use permit for a residential care home at 61 28 St. W. It will house six youth, two more than would normally be permitted for the location’s zoning. Two or three staff would supervise the youth during the day.

The project’s proponent Scott Dakiniewich said the home would provide a therapeutic supervised residence for youth in care from ages 10 to 21.

He said the youth will attend school during the day and follow a regular routine. There would be 24-hr. supervision of the home by staff. The home would be licensed by the Ministry of Social Services.

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Dakiniewich said the youth expected to be placed in the home have not been through the justice system, rather, they have been referred through social services.

The organization obtained the property and already plans to take possession of the site in July.

“Our goal is to take kids in that are having some difficulty in the community,” whether from neglect or abuse and are in need of some support, Dakiniewich said, adding four of the six are siblings.

A number of residents on the same street expressed their concerns that a youth group home may negatively impact the neighbourhood.

“While we understand the need for these facilities in our community, we don’t feel a second group home … would be in keeping with the character of the neighbourhood,” Rick Lafreniere said, who spoke on behalf of the group.

Residents were worried about increased traffic, the impact to on-street parking, the potential for noise or other disturbances, and whether the home might have a detrimental effect on property values.

One resident said he built his retirement home on the same street but wouldn’t have done so if he knew a youth group home would be there.

The town received six written letters from residents opposed to the project.

Mayor Ames Leslie left council chambers during the hearing, citing a conflict of interest, as his parents own Deer Valley Personal Care, a separate facility also on 28 St.

CAO John Enns-Wind said there should be no issue with the youth group home impacting property values since legislation is in place indicating this isn’t the case.

“If an assessor looks at a property to value it, they cannot take into consideration that there is a group home next door,” he said, referencing the Planning and Development Act.

But Enns-Wind said council does appreciate residents’ concerns at the same time.

“It is their home,” he said. “A lot of people have made big investments in it, and it’s an emotional issue. We understand that.”

Eagle’s Nest Youth Ranch also has youth homes in North Battleford and Saskatoon.

Town lawmakers will decide on the application at their June 3 meeting.

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW