New Sunrise House Youth Emergency Shelter holds official opening

Grande Prairie-Mackenzie Chris Warkentin says Grande Prairie is a community that ‘”gets stuff done.”

“I remember when the duplex was clearly too small,” Warkentin says. “Those people stepped up and said, ‘We got to get a better place,’ and people from within the community stepped up with donations and offers and opportunities. That really is a testament to the place that we call home, the fact that this now stands.”

(Photo Credit: Everything GP Staff/ Nathaniel Leigh)

Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton calls Sunrise House a vital pillar of the community.

“The opening of the facility is a true testament to the hard work, dedication and advocacy of this organization,” Clayton says. “But also, of everyone in this room today. It means our community will include and serve all people. Housing is one of the main priorities of not only our council, but of this entire region.”

(Photo Credit: Everything GP Staff/ Nathaniel Leigh)

Other presenters at the event included Grande Prairie MLA Nolan Dyck, Grande Prairie-Wapiti MLA Ron Wiebe, County of Grande Prairie Reeve Bob Marshal, and Municipal District of Greenview Reeve Tyler Olsen.

Sunrise House executive director Tanya Wald says building the new facility has been a thorough project.

(Photo Credit: Everything GP Staff/ Nathaniel Leigh)

“Building plans changed and evolved. Many hours were spent reviewing and revising and reminding each other that this was going to be worth the time and effort; and it really was.”

“Since opening our doors in December, our team has completed over 140 intakes. This has already surpassed our annual average of 120 in the previous building.”

The event included a free barbecue for attendees and the opportunity to tour the new shelter.

More photos from the opening can be seen below:

(Photo Credit: Everything GP Staff/ Nathaniel Leigh)

by Nathaniel Leigh