REGINA - The new -- and latest -- proposed location for the permanent shelter in Regina is now known.
Administration is recommending a location at 1600 Halifax Street, which is currently the location of the Eagles Club.
That location, identified in this week’s agenda, will now be put to Executive Committee on Wednesday for discussion and a vote. If approved there, it would then go to the full council meeting on Sept. 25 for potential approval.
This is the second proposed location from administration in recent months for a potential permanent shelter location. The previous recommendation for a location at 1420 and 1440 Albert Street was defeated by a 6-5 vote on June 12.
According to a memorandum from city administration on the proposal, funding for the location would be obtained through a forgivable $3 million loan from the province. Renovations would also be needed on the site, bringing the overall price to $5.6 million.
A lengthy list of delegations have signed up to speak at Wednesday’s Executive Committee meeting on the latest proposal. There are 12 delegations scheduled, and written correspondence is being provided from one more.
The initial indication is that while there is some support being expressed, there is opposition from nearby businesses to the site location. Some written submissions have expressed concerns about safety to staff, vandalism and break-ins, as well as one concern that the decision is being rushed.
The Executive Committee meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday morning at Regina City Hall.
