A new day program facility is finally on the way for Battlefords Trade and Education Centre, thanks to a long-awaited commitment from the provincial government.
Provincial Social Services Minister June Draude announced Friday $2 million in capital funding towards building the new facility, which will replace buildings BTEC has used to deliver those day services. One of the main buildings, the old armory at 702 - 102nd St., is almost 100 years old. The other main building currently used is next door on 103rd Street.
The new location will be an 18,000 square foot building adjacent to downtown North Battleford, to be located on 105th Street. The total cost of the project is estimated at $3.25 million, and BTEC plans to contribute $1.25 million of that total through a major fundraising campaign.
The announcement was made at the Muse Theatre at Western Development Museum, before an audience that included many member participants in the programs provided by BTEC and Battlefords Residential Services, Inc.
BTEC currently serves 75 participants in its day program. The new facility will serve both the current number of participants as well as eight more from the provincial waitlist and other future participants. As well, the new facility will provide space for a day program operated by Battlefords Residential Services, Inc. that serves about eight participants.
The new facility will have an enhanced capacity to deliver day services to participants as an activity and recreation centre. The 18,000 square feet of space represents an increase from the approximately 12,000 square feet the organizations operate out of now.
"I know there's a need out here," said Draude to reporters. "I also know there's a lot of community support for the people in this area, for people with disabilities, and this money going to make sure there's going to be a new facility."
The $2 million funding is part of the province's $76.9 million waitlist initiative brought in during 2008 - an effort to eliminate a waitlist of 440 people with intellectual disabilities who require residential and day programs and services. The province said they estimate services for 373 people, or 85 per cent of the waitlist, will be in place or in development by the end of 2011-12.
Draude said their needs "are very important to us as government."
One of those expressing appreciation for the funding was Verla Gammel, a BTEC participant who went up to the podium to give her thanks.
"I would like to say thank you for the generous contribution towards a new building," said Gammel, who was emotional as she added "we really appreciate it and look forward to having a new building."
It was an emotional - and happy - day for people in the audience as well.
"I was so excited to be sitting with some the people here today and see the smiles on their faces," said Draude. "I know this is going to provide a service much needed."
Also on hand at the podium were BTEC executive director Don Amos, Battlefords Residential Services Inc. first vice-president Roger Piatt, Melanie Weiss of the Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres, Councillor Ron Crush representing the city of North Battleford and Mayor Chris Odishaw of Battleford.
In the audience was Battlefords MLA Len Taylor, Battlefords Sask. Party candidate Herb Cox as well as numerous other officials and guests.
For Amos the new facility is a long time coming, as BTEC had been working to get funding in place for a new facility for some time.
"This announcement turns our hopes into reality," he told the audience.
"This is really the biggest and best news we could possibly have."
Amos said land has already been acquired for the new building, to be located on Railway Avenue and 105th Street.
He told reporters he expects construction will begin in the spring on the facility, which he expects should be done within a year. He anticipates BTEC will be able to move into their new home next year. Amos adds the new facility will be much more wheelchair-accessible and will be better able to meet their members' needs than the current two-storey structure.
The fundraising effort for the remaining $1.25 million of the cost will be up and running "almost immediately. We have a fundraising committee in place and we're just finalizing some of the fundraising plans. We should be hitting the ground running shortly," said Amos.
