By Andrew de Souza
paNOW Staff
A proposed group home for youth with learning and intellectual disabilities is being met with opposition from neighbours and members of council.
The city’s executive committee talked about an application for a group home on 17th Avenue West.
The application came with letters from neighbours opposed to the proposal.
“This area has turned from a secure place to live to an area where people are afraid to go out into the neighbourhood at night,” wrote Wayne Shewchuk, who said he lived in the neighbourhood for 37 years.
“Now you want to place another stressor in our neighbourhood? … When is enough going to be enough?
“We do have many issues in this neighbourhood,” wrote Orest and Joyce Zelensky.
“We do not feel this idea would be in the best interest of the youth; the youth that would move into the area, nor that already live here.
“We want to protect each youth under any circumstance.”
During the committee meeting Coun. Charlene Miller, who’s ward the home is in, said she agreed with her constituents that the neighbourhood didn’t need more of what she called “issues.”
“On 17th Avenue West, there’s high density and there’s enough problems on that street that they don’t need another situation going on there,” said Miller.
“The residents don’t want it because there’s enough things going on that avenue as it is.”
The group home location is being proposed by Eagle’s Nest Youth Ranch. According to executive director Sue Luedtke, the home would help about 5 youths aged 14 to 21.
“Youth in this program all have intellectual challenges and disabilities along with mental health issues (such as) Autism, ADHD, those kind of issues,” she said.
Luedtke added that neighbours may have concerns because there isn’t much communication about the projects or the youth involved.
“This kids aren’t running away and getting involved with a negative peer group,” said Luedtke. “They’re also very well supervised.”
“Because they need so much support just in daily living, the kids have very high support from the stuff. They’re really not out and about on their own, they’re with our staff doing different activities.”
Luedtke said the group already operates two such homes in the area, and the newest one would replace another one, which is currently a rental property. As well, she said they would be able to use the garage for more storage.
The city’s executive committee voted in favour of allowing the home. City council will vote on it next week.
adesouza@panow.com
