A transitional housing initiative in Whitecourt, Alberta, is scheduled to cease operations following a unanimous decision by the town council. The council’s vote on August 19 came after rejecting the Soaring Eagle Support Society’s request to rezone the property where its establishment, a former highway hotel, is located. The council expressed concerns about inconsistent zoning practices and the property’s deviation from Whitecourt’s existing highway zoning regulations as the rationale behind their decision.
The Soaring Eagle Support Society’s housing program, which currently accommodates 24 individuals, received notice that all residents and staff must vacate the premises by September 30 post the council’s ruling. Positioned off Highway 43, which eventually links to the Alaska Highway, the property is categorized not for residential use but as a commercial zone intended to cater to highway travelers. The zoning status has remained unchanged since the SESS took over the former hotel lease in 2021.
Cindy Gurney, the SESS’s executive director, acknowledged being aware of the zoning challenges associated with the site but highlighted receiving “grace” from the city for a period of five years. During this time, town council members frequently participated in fundraisers and endorsed the SESS’ initiatives through speeches. Gurney mentioned the need to submit a rezoning application stemmed from a desire to secure provincial and municipal funding in the form of grants. Last summer, she initiated the application process on behalf of the organization’s board.
In a news release issued on August 19, the town council addressed the vote outcome, emphasizing a shift in the property’s original utilization that no longer aligns with the designated zoning regulations. While acknowledging the significance of social services availability in the community, the council stressed the imperative of compliance with local zoning statutes concerning the property’s location and operational functions.
Gurney emphasized the humanitarian importance of the program and the societal necessity it fulfills, advocating for prioritizing transitional housing benefits over current highway development schemes. She outlined the transformative impact of transitional housing in contrast to conventional shelter services, underscoring the significant positive changes it fosters in individuals’ lives.
As the closure looms closer, Gurney noted the commencement of staff layoffs, expressing disappointment and devastation at the turn of events. The abrupt timeline for displaced residents to secure alternative housing arrangements post-council decision raised concerns among inhabitants, such as Dean Williams, who highlighted the financial challenges associated with the short notice.
Williams recounted his journey at Eagle’s Nest, attributing the facility with aiding his recovery from a series of traumatic events and heralding its role in restoring his well-being and independence. Despite allegations of misconduct and substance abuse on-site, Williams defended the facility as a place of refuge for individuals in dire need of support and care.
The SESS’s overarching mission to uphold residents’ dignity remains a central tenet, aiming to empower individuals and assist them in transitioning towards self-sufficiency. The impending closure poses significant challenges for vulnerable residents, with fears of potential homelessness and limited support exacerbating uncertainties regarding their future well-being.
In light of the impending closure and the potential repercussions for displaced individuals, Williams expressed concerns about the town’s perceived lack of support and its implications for vulnerable populations. As the deadline for eviction approaches, the prospect of vulnerable individuals being left without adequate housing solutions, particularly with winter approaching, raises profound apprehensions regarding their welfare and safety.