Two members of council didn't vote and only one voted in favour. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

Homeless Shelter

‘Out in the cold’: La Ronge council rejects rezoning for Scattered Site relocation

Aug 27, 2020 | 3:09 PM

A four to one vote by La Ronge council means a building along La Ronge Avenue won’t be rezoned to allow for the relocation of the Scattered Site Outreach Program.

The decision generated a lot of interest from the public, particularly by nearby property owners who believe Scattered Site and the shelter it provides for the homeless during the winter shouldn’t be located downtown. There were several letters submitted by property owners, which mention La Ronge Avenue should be for businesses only and that the relocation of Scattered Site could drive down real estate values.

Mayor Ron Woytowich, who asked for the rezoning on behalf of Kikinahk Friendship Centre, did not participate in the vote, along with Counc. Dallas Everest who expressed a conflict of interest. Counc. Jordan McPhail was the lone councillor who voted for such a change.

“All I can say is if we vote this down tonight, the image of La Ronge is that we are willing to potentially put the homeless population out in the cold this winter,” he said at a regular meeting Wednesday. “This is a motion where we have a discussion on whether or not people might be staying out in the cold this winter or whether they will have a safe, warm and dignified places to sleep.”

While council voted to reject the rezoning, there was also concerns about information that was leaked to the media ahead of the meeting. The information included letters sent to council from those who wanted to provide input for council’s decision. Everest, who wrote in stating his opposition to rezoning, brought up the issue when he chose not to vote or be part of the discussion on the matter.

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Kikinahk Friendship Centre applied for this building to be rezone for Scattered Site purposes. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

Business owner Brent Pajunen, who was present for the discussion, also asked how the information was leaked to the media.

“Whoever did release that, it’s terribly disrespectful to both the delegates and to our organization,” Deputy-Mayor Matt Klassen said. “I think this discredits all of us a little bit.”

As for what happens next, Woytowich explained there are other options but noted he needs to find a solution in the next two months. The Extended Hours Program, which starts Nov. 15, can no longer occur at the current Scattered Site building due to health and safety concerns.

Woytowich also noted he’s disappointed in the decision as the building he chose was an ideal location. Since many clients have mental health or addictions issues, he said they need to be close to the clinic and drug stores. The building also would have been easy to convert for the needed purpose.

“To say I’m disappointed is probably the understatement of the year,” Woytowich said. “There are other options and I’m going to have to decide what to go after.”

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno