The Kikinahk Friendship Centre is seeking approval from La Ronge Town Council to establish a full-time temporary shelter in that northern community.
Ron Woytowich, Executive Director of the Friendship Centre said he has secured federal financing to purchase the Waterbase Inn.
In a report to Council by Town administration, the Friendship Centre, “believes the Property is ideal for this purpose because it includes a kitchen, common areas, office space, and individual rooms for shelter users. The Property is developed with one building consisting of a two-storey section and a single storey wing. It has traditionally operated as a hotel / motel offering temporary accommodation to the travelling public.”
Administration states two concerns with the re-zoning application, that being a decrease to hotel stock, which could impact construction and tourism in the summer. And, the aesthetics of shelter near the downtown, which has the potential of impacting tourism. The report concedes that homeless people in La Ronge already congregate in the downtown, regardless of where the shelter may be located.
Council has created a bylaw for the re-zoning in the Shoreline Commercial District. A public hearing will take place on April 23 for the proposed bylaw.