By Curtis Galbraith

Community

Another milestone for the project to build a new youth shelter in Grande Prairie

Jan 11, 2023 | 6:00 AM

The Executive Director at Sunrise House Youth Emergency Shelter says “it is really big” that the City has officially transferred the land for a new facility to the shelter.

Executive Director Tanya Wald says they made some agreements already that allowed construction to start before the title was transferred.

“Construction is well underway. We actually got to go inside of the building this past Friday, which was really exciting for us. We are on track to open in the fall.”

Wald says the project would be far behind schedule if it had not been allowed to start early.

She adds there continues to be a lot of demand for a facility like this.

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“We’re at the point now in our current facility where we risk turning kids away. We haven’t. We work really hard not to leave anyone outside.”

“Even the needs of our young people have changed. We’re dealing with a lot more mental health concerns and addiction concerns.”

Wald says the new shelter will allow for what she calls “a higher level of programming and professionals.”

She adds the higher cost of living has meant more pressure on families and their family support program is their busiest.

Wald says they are close to having all the money they need in place.

“We are down to our last million dollars out of an over $6 million budget, which is very exciting. That’s really thanks to people who have already donated, our municipalities, the Government of Alberta.”

“We’re going to continue with our capital campaign and get the last of that money raised.”

Wald says anyone who wants to get help with the campaign can check their website.

Council voted at Monday’s meeting to transfer the title of the land in the Gateway area of Grande Prairie.