The Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S) is looking at undertaking a major project in Prince Albert.
At an Executive Council meeting Monday the Prince Albert City Council unanimously agreed to support in principal the MN-S plan to buy over 20 acres of land in the city’s west near the Victoria Hospital to develop a facility to help serve Métis citizens in the city.
Craig Guidinger, the manager of planning for the City of P.A. told Councillors the MN-S facility is part of a larger effort by the organization to help their citizens all over Saskatchewan.
“They’ve identified some of the socio-economic challenges facing many Métis individuals and their families across Saskatchewan,” he said.
Guidinger explained the MN-S has plans for 12 different projects in Saskatchewan, similar to what they are planning in the city. He said the facility in P.A. will allow the MN-S to provide help to their citizens and assist them in navigating a range of public services from health care and education to social services.
“In order to do that, what they’ll be doing is constructing a 10,000 square foot office building which will be available to all Métis Nation families,” he said.
According to Guidinger, the MN-S as well has plans to undertake a second phase of development on another part of the land in the city’s west. Guidinger said this building will be serving an important purpose for families as well.
“A second phase is a 12,000 square foot childcare centre, which goes hand in hand to what they’re developing,” he said.
Mayor Greg Dionne thanked Guidinger for his presentation and agreed to move the motion forward to a vote. The mayor as well took time to thank the MN-S for investing in the city. Councillor Dennis Ogrodnick as well expressed his support and added he was especially happy to hear about the proposed childcare facility in the project’s second phase.
“That’s our future and providing good quality care for children is important,” he said.
No representatives for the MN-S spoke at the executive council meeting Monday. In an email response to MBC Radio News the MN-S said the project is still in the early stages.
“Our Métis Nation government in Saskatchewan is always looking for opportunities to build capacity across the province and improve the well-being of our communities. The PA land purchase can provide that, but we are still in the due diligence phase and will have more details about the project when we reach a more formal stage,” the statement said.