By Brent Bosker

Government stands behind children’s group despite setbacks

Jan 31, 2011 | 5:27 AM

The Ministry of Social Services said it hasn’t lost faith in Rising Stars Children’s Ranch to deliver a foster home in the Rural Municipality of Prince Albert.

The controversial project has been at the center of a messy zoning dispute with the municipality for almost two years. Rising Stars recently tried to have the home open, but had their discretionary use application denied by council.

The ministry is disappointed by council’s decision but is optimistic the zoning issue can be resolved, said Wayne Phaneuf, executive director of child and community services in the Ministry of Social Services.

“We certainly do hope that there is a way to move forward on this between Rising Stars and the municipality, to serve the children,” Phaneuf said.

Rising Stars was given $344,000 in capital funding in 2009 to deliver the 10-bed facility for children. Even with the delay and uncertainty, the ministry continues to back the group.

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“Certainly the ministry has confidence in Rising Stars to be able to deliver the program as it was discussed,” said Phaneuf.

The ministry is doing what it can to see the project come to fruition, but the issue of zoning is out of their control, he said.

“Certainly we will be meeting with the Rising Star board to look at what their next options might be.”

The municipality’s position is that the land is zoned for agriculture use and amending their bylaw would go against their community plan of preserving valuable agricultural land.

Further doubt was cast on the home’s future  when Paul Rybka, deputy Reeve said further study was needed by council to see if the home could ever be allowed to operate in its current location.

paNOW asked to speak to the minister about the current situation and the use of public funds,  but the request was turned down.

To read more:

Rising Stars ordered to pay back operating grant

UPDATE: Rising Stars suffers another set-back

bbosker@panow.com