City Council Greenlights New Crisis Facility with Community Input

The Prince Albert City Council has provisionally approved a proposal for a new secure complex needs facility, aimed at assisting individuals experiencing mental health or addiction crises. The decision, made during a council meeting on Monday, introduces several conditions to ensure community engagement and operational transparency.

During the meeting chaired by Deputy Mayor Dawn Kilmer, council members voted to grant a discretionary use development permit for the facility, which will be situated at 99 Ninth Street East, in the former SLGA liquor store next to the police station. This permit will remain valid for a period of three years from the commencement of operations, unless the facility closes for a continuous duration of 90 days or ceases operations entirely.

As part of the approval, the facility must adhere to the operational guidelines outlined in Development Permit No. 22 of 2025 and is required to hold a community meeting prior to its opening. The project, first announced earlier this year, is designed to provide between 10 and 15 secure stabilization beds specifically for individuals in crisis. It will operate on a police-referral basis, meaning that no walk-in clients will be accepted, and it will be staffed around the clock by healthcare professionals and security personnel.

The provincial government has indicated that the facility will facilitate connections to longer-term support services following short stays of up to 24 hours. Supportive council members emphasized the urgent necessity for a safe environment where police can bring vulnerable individuals instead of resorting to holding cells or overcrowded emergency rooms. The proximity of the facility to police headquarters was highlighted as an essential advantage.

Despite the support, some council members raised concerns regarding the downtown location and its potential impact on local businesses and residents. To address these apprehensions, the requirement for a mandatory community meeting was incorporated into the motion to ensure transparency and gather public feedback.

Mayor Bill Powalinski expressed that the facility is a crucial step toward addressing safety concerns without exacerbating public fear. He stated, “We open facilities every day, and we take every reasonable effort to make sure that people are safe. Very, very low incidence risk here, and a very, very low impact; the point is, it’s about providing the best support possible.”

The provincial government plans to select an operator for the facility later this year, with renovations anticipated to begin shortly thereafter. The target date for opening is set for spring 2026. It is important to note that while Monday’s meeting served as an executive committee session, the motion must be ratified at a regular council meeting before becoming official.