Yellowknife (Feb 06/04) - Organizers of a group home for men with mental health care needs will have to wait a while before they get the go-ahead to open the doors of the proposed new facility.

Les Harrison, director of community and family support for the Yellowknife Health and Social Services Authority, assured city council that clients of a proposed mental health home on Rycon Drive are not violent. - Mike W. Bryant/NNSL photo

City council decided to table the item back to committee after hearing concerns from neighbours Monday afternoon.

The Yellowknife Health and Social Services Authority planned to open the home March 15, but council likely won't make a decision on the development permit until after the Feb. 23 regular council meeting.

Terry Brown, who lives next door to the proposed group home (23 Rycon Dr.), told council he still hasn't been assured none of the potential clients will have sexual assault convictions.

"I don't want to know their particular backgrounds, but I do want the opportunity to relax in my home," he said.

Les Harrison, director of community and family support for the local health authority, said some clients may have had minor brushes with the law in the past, but none of them are violent.

"These are not violent people," said Harrison. "If they were, they'd be sent to facilities down south."

He said the group home would house no more than four to six clients. One health worker will be on shift during the day, while two more will work at night.