Yellowknife (Sep 17/03) - School Draw Avenue will not be the location of a transition house for homeless men.

After meeting with approximately 30 area residents Sept. 10, the Salvation Army has withdrawn its application for a development permit.

"We heard the neighbours and withdrew the application," said Karen Hoeft, chair of the Yellowknife Homelessness Coalition. The coalition has identified transitional housing for men as one of its priorities.

The Salvation Army planned to use government-owned house as a residence for eight homeless adult men and a resident manager. The eight men would live in the house until they saved enough money and were able to move into homes of their own.

Hoeft emphasized that this is not a case of "not in my back yard" syndrome.

"There is unresolved history there," she said.

Former home for young offenders

The house opened as an open custody facility for young offenders in 1973 but was shut down in 2002.

Residents expressed concern about homelessness in the city, but because of past problems were concerned about what could happen in the future.

"With eight individuals, that's eight times the normal activity you would get in a home. It goes against the quiet enjoyment you would get in a residential neighbourhood."

Some people questioned whether the men who would live at the home would pose a security risk.

"You want our kids to trust these people will make good choices -- what if they make bad choices," one resident said.

"There are better spots," she continued.

"There is nothing you can do to make me want this facility here," another resident said.

None of those who spoke would give their name to Yellowknifer.

Project remains a priority

Hoeft said it is now "back to the drawing board" for the project which will be discussed at the coalition's meeting in October.

It remains one of the coalition's top priorities.

Great Slave MLA Bill Braden, who attended the meeting, said the decision was a "good call on the part of the Salvation Army."

"A lot of energy would have gone into a potentially protracted stand off," Braden said.

Braden said in the future, it would be up to the city to decide the use of the house through the zoning bylaw.

He would not speculate on where the transition house could be established, as opposition to such projects is not uncommon and "should be anticipated."

Tom Beaulieu, president of the Northwest Territories Housing Corp., said the School Draw house is being appraised. He said that amount of money would be given to the Yellowknife Homelessness Coalition. The house would then be sold.

"There may be some vacant units in the downtown core they could purchase and renovate," Beaulieu said.