Fort Smith (Apr 04/05) - So far, it appears no one is interested in taking over the operation of the Sutherland House women's shelter in Fort Smith.

The $350,000-a-year contract has been advertised twice by the Fort Smith Health and Social Services Authority.

"Nobody applied," says Dana Rasiah, the authority's CEO.

Rasiah found that surprising. "Before we advertised, we thought there was a lot of interest in it - locally, too."

The first tender in early February was advertised in the North. The second tender, which closed March 21, extended the search to Alberta, Saskatchewan and B.C. for a qualified operator.

Rasiah says the tender will be advertised again this month. "April may bring some luck."

Until a new operator is found, Rasiah says the health authority may take over in the interim, but the authority is not staffed to run such a shelter.

Since Nov. 1 of last year, YWCA Yellowknife has temporarily operated the six-bed shelter.

The YWCA was the only bidder on a $170,000 contract to provide interim management until the end of March, while developing programs and procedures, setting standards and training staff.

Until the end of June last year, the shelter had been run by the Fort Smith-based Tawow Society. The health authority assumed control after four of five society directors resigned.

Marilyn Napier, the interim vice-president of the Tawow Society, says the organization may seek the new contract.

"There is a possibility," Napier says. "We just need membership input."

The Tawow Society called an annual general meeting in January, but there was no quorum. Another attempt at an AGM in mid-March did get a quorum, but members felt more community input was required.

Napier says another AGM will likely be held sometime in May to discuss the issue.