TLC Move Opposed

A proposal by Weechi-it-te-win Family Services to set up its Training and Learning Centre in the township of Alberton was met with plenty of opposition last night.

The council chambers overflowed with residents wanting to know why the agency was looking at property currently owned by the Arpin family for its culturally specific education facility.

Township Council is being asked to rezone the property to permit the centre.

But Rebecca Webb was among many who felt it was not a good fit for the rural community.

"It is is my opinion that the proposed location within the heaviest populated area of Alberton on a busy highway, in close proximity to our residents, children and businesses is not an choice for an unsecured facility prone to runaways," said Webb

Other residents cited safety concerns and felt the facility would be better placed at one of the First Nation communities Wee-Chi-Ti-Win serves.

The agency's lawyer Clint Calder says the end of a lease on property in Watten township has forced them to consider alternative locations.

He also disputed claims the centre was a group home or house young offenders.

"The youth in their are not in there because they broke the law," said Calder, "they're in their because they need help. The facility itself won't be any big fences or electric fences because there is no need for that. It is supervised 24-7, but there is no need for it not to be non-secure facility."

The issue is to be on the township council's agenda at its meeting in July, but it's not certain if the rezoning application will be voted at that time.
Township council