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THEBACHA/FORT SMITH - A new operator is being sought for Sutherland House, the women's shelter in Fort Smith.

A request for proposals was issued late last year by the Fort Smith Health and Social Services Authority.

The request included a closing date of Jan. 30 this year.

The authority itself has been running the facility since last spring, when the contract ended with previous operator YWCA Yellowknife.

Robert Tordiff, the CEO of the Fort Smith Health and Social Services Authority, said a request for proposals was also issued last spring, but there was no response.

"It's a necessary service, so we kept it open on our own," Tordiff said.

Before the YWCA Yellowknife operated the shelter, it was run by the Fort-Smith-based Tawow Society.

Tordiff said there is no danger that the shelter will close if a new operator cannot be found.

"We'll have to ensure that the service continues," he said.

Sutherland House has six beds for women and children.