Yellowknife (Feb 25/04) - After bouncing around between committee and council chambers for several weeks, a group home for the mentally ill received unanimous support from city council, Monday night.

The home at 23 Rycon Drive will house up to six clients, and have a nighttime staff of two.

It was bitterly opposed by some neighbours. They say the Yellowknife Health and Social Services Authority failed to allay their fears that some of the clients may have criminal pasts and drug and alcohol addictions, even after two information meetings were held.

But after hearing both sides of the argument twice over the last month, council was ready to approve the project.

"(Yellowknife Health and Social Services) went above and beyond what most applications of this sort have to go through," said Councillor Bob Brooks.

Coun. Kevin O'Reilly said he was embarrassed by the foot-dragging and comments made by other councillors about the home at previous committee meetings. "I can honestly say that I can't remember one that has gone through hoops like this one has," said O'Reilly.

Coun. Blake Lyons, who felt some of the criticism last week, said he felt it was an issue that benefitted from closer scrutiny. He also thanked Yellowknifer for a series of editorials in support of the group home.

Les Harrison, director of family services for the Yellowknife health authority, said they are pleased council came to unanimous decision.

"I feel it was definitely supported by our council," said Harrison.

The contract for staffing the home has yet to be awarded. Harrison said he hopes the home is up and running by May or June.