Kindersley Social, March 18th 2016
The proposed relocation of the Kinsmen Park Outdoor Arena would mean that West Central Abilities Inc. would be able to move forward with a much needed relocation. The current West Central Abilities facility, built in 1981, was originally located in the industrial area due to a busy woodworking program and industrial activities. Over the years, West Central Abilities has adapted and evolved to support the needs of their clients. In 2016 their services and programs now reach much further than just workshop activities.
The current location is becoming increasingly restrictive as clients want more and more freedom, many of these clients would be able to access the facility independently, if the location was suitable for pedestrian access. The proposed new location, Kinsmen Park Outdoor Arena would allow West Central Abilities clients to access the facility without having to cross a busy highway. The proposed new facility would also feature much needed, affordable rental space and housing, allowing independent living for those who currently do not have that opportunity.
No dates have been set but the Town of Kindersley was “directed to draft a lease option for the purpose of constructing a new facility to serve persons with disabilities”. The Town is also currently trying to identify a new location for the outdoor arena.
When contacted, West Central Abilities Released the following statement:
“Our agency, along with the Ministry of Social Services, has identified the need for a new building and a new location to provide safe, quality services and expanded uses which will serve the families and people of our community and their future needs.
The vision for our new facility is that it will include rentable space for hosting community functions, equipped with a large kitchen, partnerships with user groups, apartments offering affordable housing including individuals who may require minimal supports so they may successfully live independently, central or drop-in location to offer adaptable programs to meet specific human service needs, for example, individuals transitioning out of the school system into adult services; after school programs, summer programs, evening programs open to all ages, prepare individuals to progress into the labour market; bridging, networking and linking people together with people within the community.
Individuals and their families, interested persons, the agency and the Town of Kindersley, have identified the current Kinsmen Park as a prime location suitable for our proposed development. Several efforts over the last several years to obtain other suitable properties were not successful or affordable.”
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