(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Mental health

RM vote opens door for special care facility outside Prince Albert

Mar 8, 2019 | 8:26 AM

A special care facility for first responders, corrections workers, veterans, and other frontline professionals struggling with operational stress injuries, has moved one step closer to construction south of Prince Albert.

On Thursday, the Rural Municipality (RM) of Prince Albert council approved a bylaw amendment, which will allow the property owner in the RM to have the facility on his land. Director of Planning Jason Kaptein said some work is still required, before the project is officially approved.

“There are a few technical things that would have to be addressed if this were to move forward but that’s what a meeting is for next month,” he said.

Going forward, the move by council essentially allows any landowner in the RM , whose land is zoned for agricultural use, to apply to allow it for discretionary use. Kaptein explained to council the RM currently does not have a land use name for detox facilities or facilities involving mental health.

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The proposal for the facility was started close to four years ago. One of the people behind the idea, Michelle McKeaveney, told paNOW the next step for her and the property owner, will be seeking out grants, bursaries and funding. She says they both share the same vision.

“I have veterans and first responders who are retired and are begging for something to do. Now they can help the other people like them who need the help,” she said.

McKeaveney said the Resilience and Recovery Ranch would be the first of its kind in the country, in the respect it will be professional and peer lead. In addition to counseling services, there will be also be equine therapy.

“There are currently places in Canada for first responders and veterans to go but none that are affordable ,” McKeaveney said. “Now we need the action plan to back it up before there are any more suicides.”

A special gofundme, created in memory of OSI-CAN founder Chris Siddons, is assisting with the costs for the project.

nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell