HAY RIVER
It appears town council might be willing to give its blessing to a yet-unformed community group to bring Syrian refugees to Hay River.

While questions were raised when the idea was discussed at a Feb. 8 council meeting, no councillor spoke against it. No formal vote was taken.

Mayor Brad Mapes, who previously sent out e-mails to councillors related to the idea, asked for their opinions, estimating at least 20 people had contacted him about trying to help some Syrian refugee families find new homes in Hay River.

"They just wanted to make sure that there's some blessing from the town council that, if people still were going to try to help these people come to our community, the town would be OK with it," he said, adding it would be supported by donations from community members. "To be honest, I think it is the right thing to do. We're all Canadians. We all should be trying to figure out how we can be helping out somebody in need."

Mapes said the Syrian refugees would also help the town by increasing the population and adding students to the schools.

Coun. Keith Dohey said he's all for helping and agrees it's a good thing to bring refugees into the country.

"But we also have to be careful and be sure that we have the infrastructure that they need here," he said. "It's more than just putting a roof over somebody's head."

Mapes said the group doesn't want to form unless there is an OK from council, adding the proponents are not asking council for funds or organizational assistance.

It would cost about $40,000 annually per refugee family, he said, adding that number would decrease if vacant housing was readily available.

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