The Indian and Métis Friendship Centre is planning to turn the building into a youth hub. (Susan McNeil/paNOW Staff)

By Susan McNeil

New plans for old building

Friendship Center plans to turn old West Flat school into youth hub

Sep 25, 2024 | 4:10 PM

An old brick school building in Prince Albert’s West Flat area has been spared the wrecking ball.

Part of the building at 717A MacArthur Drive has been bought by the Indian Métis Friendship Centre, which plans to use it as a youth service hub.

“Our priority currently is to make the property secure. We are getting a fence put up and securing the windows. We are having some of the asbestos removed. We continue cleaning out the building,” said the Friendship Centre in a recent update to city council.

“We are working towards having the main floor and the basement ready for programming as soon as possible.”

They have submitted an application for federal funding to complete renovations. If they succeed, they plan to have beds with semi and independent living for youth and young families.

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They also have hopes of creating day care spaces, sports and rec facilities, mental health care and office space for justice advocates.

Everything will have a cultural component and other service providers have shown interest in using the space as well.

City council last discussed the building In May of this year, pivoting from the possibility of demolishing the building when a potential buyer came forward.

It would have cost about $600,000 just to tear down the building and haul it away. Some bricks inside have asbestos, which is currently being removed by the Friendship Centre.

Part of the old building is owned by Prince Albert Bridge Ministry. A letter from the ministry’s insurer helped with the push to do something about the old school.

Windows had been boarded up, but local youth were breaking in and needing rescue from the fire department. On several occasions, fires were lit inside and the building became a significant safety issue.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com