Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Monday, March 26, 2007

HAY RIVER - There is support in Hay River for the territorial government's decision to create an assisted-living facility in the community.

There are also questions.

"It's a great idea and it's definitely something that is needed," said Lillian Crook, chair of the Hay River chapter of the NWT Council of Persons with Disabilities.

However, Crook noted southern assisted-living offers day programs, such as job coaching and social activities like going to movies.

She said she doesn't know if the government has considered that because it didn't discuss the proposed facility with the NWT Council of Persons with Disabilities.

"The information is pretty sparse right now," she said.

Currently, the Hay River branch of the council has only one paid employee running its office.

Crook said it could organize outside activities for assisted living clients if it receives government funding. "We might need up to four hired employee advocates," she said.

Kevin Wallington, co-ordinator of the Hay River Community Youth Centre, thinks the assisted living facility will be a great addition to town.

And he wonders what's going to happen to the now-closed Dene K'onia building. That structure, formerly a facility for young offenders, was going to be renovated as the home of the Territorial Treatment Centre, which is now staying in Yellowknife.

Wallington said there are a number of Hay River organizations, including the youth centre, which might consider Dene K'onia as a new home.

"I'd love to take a group of people and do a walk-through," he said, adding it makes sense to look at what already exists in the community.

Paul Vieira, CEO of the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority, also welcomes the assisted-living facility, noting it will fill a gap in the continuum of care in the NWT.

"This is a great initiative," Vieira said.