Minister of Social and Community Services Jason Luan and Grande Prairie MLA Tracy Allard. Photo Credit: Shane Clausing

By Shane Clausing

stonebridge hotel

Minister of Community and Social Services urges caution with Stonebridge Hotel project

Jul 27, 2021 | 5:55 PM

The conversation around the City’s purchase of the Stonebridge Hotel to convert it into a Coordinated Care Campus is continuing to unfold more than two weeks since the decision was made.

Council voted in favour of several motions related to the idea at the July 12 council meeting, which included approval of a development permit and adding $15.5 million to the 2021 capital budget to buy and renovate the hotel and conference centre into the proposed Coordinated Care Campus.

That breaks down to a purchase price of $12.5 million and $3 million for renovations.

On July 27, Alberta’s Minister of Community and Social Services, Jason Luan was in the Swan City to meet with residents, council members and tour several facilities.

Among the items discussed with residents and council members was the Stonebridge purchase.

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While he says he’s happy to see the city tackling the homelessness issue, he did say there are some concerns he heard from residents about the project.

“I have the fortune to have met with councilors, city administration, and some neighbouring community and business people that have interest in this project,” said Luan.

“Let me put it this way, I applaud the community here for wanting to work together to find a solution of creative services to help people who are vulnerable. That is a great intention. But in the meantime, by listening to different thoughts on the project, I do hear concerns that people put on the table.”

One of the concerns Luan heard throughout his meetings with people from the area is what’s going to happen to the Stonebridge Hotel area once people move into the facility.

Luan adds he’d like to see a concrete plan of what the facility will look like before the province considers dishing out any money towards the project.

“Really, it’s about what will the program activity be placed in that centre. Most people who suffer from homelessness also suffer from mental health addiction issues. Concerns of damaging neighbourhoods and the surrounding business are real, and it’s not something taken lightly.”

While there are real concerns about the project for residents in the community, Luan hopes the City and community can come together to make this project work and become a success story.

“This is where my caution to the folks working on this is, don’t rush it, take your time and bring the community together. Make no mistake, things can go to a positive result or to the sidelines,” said Luan.

“I hope that with the community coming together, everybody can focus on what’s the best for the community and the positive changes.”

The project is entirely funded by the City of Grande Prairie, which has so far received no provincial funding for the project.