Youth assisted living centre zoning approved

By Mickey Dumont Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Bluebay Behavioural Consulting’s application to change zoning from empty to assisted living to establish a troubled youth program was approved during a Feb. 14, public meeting of the Municipal Planning Commission of the Town of Claresholm.
A packed Town of Claresholm council chamber heard from those for and against the youth assisted living project as they had the chance to publicly speak their mind. A handful of citizens took the available opportunity to speak with both sides earning applause.
“This application is for phase one of the building, up to 15 youth, ages 12 to 17,” said Tara Vandervalk, the town’s development services manager, in opening the 9 a.m. meeting. “Within the town’s land-use bylaw, assisted living means a development with a special combination of housing, supportive services, personalized assistance, and health care designed to respond to individual needs of those who need help with activities of daily living.
“The facility may include a central or private kitchen, dining, recreation, and other facilities, with separate dwelling units or living quarters where the emphasis of the facility remains residential.”
“So the Land Use Bylaw designates this property public. Assisted living is a discretionary use,” she continued. “Being as such this is Phase 1 of the development for up to 15. Keep in mind every additional phase or any intensification of use requires a new application.”
“The Claresholm project – the ‘Blue Bay Healing Home’ – seeks to renovate the former hospital/school board site for the purpose of operating a safe and supportive assisted living facility for disadvantaged youth (aged 12-17) in southern Alberta,” said Adejare Popoola of BlueBay Consulting Inc.
He added Blue Bay is a registered organization that seeks to provide emotional, mental and various psychological support to individuals from all walks of life.
Vandervalk explained the commission’s consideration of the application is strictly technical
”I do want to caution you that in considering the information provided by those who have submitted comments to the MPC and hearing those who speak today, you should consider only relevant planning matters, Vandervalk said.
“We want to consider the use, not the potential user of the site. Items such as the potential character of users of the proposed development or the character and or qualifications of the applicant are not relevant planning matters.
“How the facility is managed and the care of its patients is under provincial jurisdiction, particularly the Residential Facilities Licensing Act. (It) states the applicant is responsible for obtaining approval from all governing bodies. If the applicant was unable to obtain approval where it is required, the applicant would fail to meet the conditions of the development permit.”

“(The) Municipal Development Plan (MDP) (Section 9, Community, Culture, Wellness and Safety), states the goal is to continue to develop, provide and enhance the positive elements sustaining Claresholm’s vibrant and socially diverse local culture and community wellness,” Vandervalk added. “Further, (the MDP) states an objective of the MDP is to ensure a strong social infrastructure is in place for Claresholm’s families, seniors and vulnerable residents to enjoy a high quality of life.
“In considering the development proposal before you, the MPC should consider if the proposed development meets this objective and supports community culture, wellness and safety.”
Because they are minors, the Blue Bay staff will serve as caregivers on site who are working and are awake and on watch 24-7. The youth will not be allowed in the community or even outside the building unsupervised.
“And, with emphasis, Blue Bay Healing Home is not intended to ever be set up to serve individuals with addiction or drug needs,” Popoola said. “The outdoor activities that take place on-site will not interfere with the quiet environment of neighbouring properties.
“It’s nothing different from what the building was being used for while it was actively in use. For individuals looking to attend a public arrangement, we are going to make arrangements on a case-by-case basis. In such circumstances, the student will be dropped off and picked up by a professional caregiver as clients are not permitted to walk about in the absence of supervision.
“Then concerning the protocol, safety protocols in particular, the place is supervised 24-7. And the one-to-three staffing is the minimum, minimum, minimum. It could be one-to-one if the case requires it, depending on the time the activities and the needs of the individual client.
“So, one to three could be the minimum depending on the capacity of the individual that will be in the building or that will be under our care. But, if there is a need for a one-to-one to be requested, there is a provision for that. And there will be additional support staff during the day including counsellors and teachers.”
“There will be cameras outside the building for security and surveillance,” Popoola added. “Regular attendance of residents will be taken. Absences will be reported to the police immediately.
“Inspectors from Alberta Health Services will be visiting the site regularly to ensure compliance with all provincial health, welfare and safety regulations. We are going to comply with all the regulations. A visitation of other guests will be by appointment only. Visitors will undergo screening before entering the facility to alleviate any concern about this property being a youth hangout destination.
“How will our outdoor activities on the property be managed?
“All outdoor activities will take place within the five-acre property and will be supervised by the caregivers at all times. Indeed, youth residents of the home will not be permitted to play outside in the absence of supervision.”
Karen Bingley raised her concern about First Nations youth who would be using the centre.
“Has there been any work or support from the local reserves, chiefs or councils to support a residential centre for their children?” she asked. “Because we have to be very, very careful when we plan programs for First Nations children that we involve those communities. It ensures success when we do.”
“Staff conduct a thorough evaluation and tailored treatment to their specific mental health and substance abuse challenges,” Popoola said.
“(They) facilitate recreational activities that promote physical health, mental well-being and social interactions. (They) provide resources to support clients’ families, fostering understanding and facilitating healing within family dynamics, initiating traditional Indigenous wisdom and practices through the guidance of elders, therapy and counselling with a cultural value of First Nation clients,” Popoola said.
In its application, Bluebay said there would be six-foot fencing on three sides. Two neighbours felt the population of deer that now use the property must be deterred for the safety of the youth and staff who will be using the expansive grounds.
After its closed-session deliberations, the commission decided an approval condition would be fencing on all sides.
“As a trauma survivor myself, I understand the need for proper care, and one of the things I did find looking on one of your Facebook pages was ‘value breeds responsibility’,” MPC member and town councillor Kandice Meister offered.
“I thought that was a very good quote. We need to stop treating these children who might be coming to our community as criminals that they’re not. They’re suffering from mental illness, but does have a cure with proper help,” she said.
John Mclean stood in support of the project saying, “It’s worth it if we can save even one kid.”
Barb Lyall questioned the health of the building.
“When we were looking at buying the school, or whatever you want to call it, for our lodge, to extend our lodges, we were told it was full of asbestos. Did it disappear? So all remediation will be part of the building permit process, all of the inspections, remediation, renovation.”
Lyall was informed part of the permit approval process will include a building inspection.
Bluebay now must present the town with a detailed renovation plan.