The ribbon has been cut to officially open two new group homes in North Battleford for those with intellectual disabilities.
The homes - Meadow Manor at 1731-102nd St., and Yvonne's Home at 2431 Kildeer Dr. - are operated by Battlefords Residential Services, Inc.
The provincial Ministry of Social Services provided $550,000 in capital funding for construction and $864,472 in operating funding for the current fiscal year. The government has committed to ongoing funding for the operations of the home.
Eleven people will be making their home at the two facilities. In total, BRSI supports 34 individuals in six group homes, offers day programming to another 10 and independent living services to 15.
The project had been in the making for the past three years, but finally got rolling after the Social Services Ministry announced their funding commitment for the two homes in September 2011.
The project was welcomed at the time by BRSI as helping take people off the waiting list.
At the official grand opening, provincial social services minister June Draude was one of many individuals presented with a commemorative "hard hat" by BRSI board chair Yvonne Nyholt, in commemoration of the efforts to get the homes built.
In speaking to reporters Draude credited the community for coming together to make the project a reality.
"I'm so proud of this community right now," Draude said. "To know that the community has worked together to build a home for 11 individuals in Battleford and North Battleford - it just makes a big difference to us as government and sends a message about who your city is."
Among those recognized were Glenn and Caren Hornick for their lot donation, as well as Chris Odishaw and Battleford Furniture for their major donation.
Also recognized was Lyle Schell Construction Management Ltd. who constructed the group homes.
Among the large gathering in attendance at the ribbon cuttings at the two new homes were a number of civic dignitaries such as Mayor Ian Hamilton of North Battleford, Councillor Gordon Yarde representing Battleford and Battlefords MLA Herb Cox.
For her part, Nyholt was pleased to see the project finally come to fruition. "It's been a long two years, worked hard at it, but this is our reward," she said.
Among those singled out for recognition was Nyholt herself. The selection committee decided to name one of the group homes after her in recognition of her tireless efforts on behalf of BRSI in the community over the years.
She described that as an even bigger honour than when she was named Citizen of the Year. "It doesn't compare to the honour of having a home named after you," said Nyholt.
In addition to the opening of the new group homes, BRSI also unveiled the new bus they acquired thanks to funding from the Kinsmen Foundation.
Leanne Wildeman of the Kinsmen Foundation said an amount of $26,700 went to the new bus. It replaces a well-used 11-year-old bus that had wracked up over 225,000 kilometers.
Among the features Nyholt described at the new homes were larger bedrooms, a sitting room, a ceiling track system to help move people around, and what she called a "beautiful, calm atmosphere" for those residing there.
The new residents "have a beautiful place to live in, and they're safe, and they certainly can live up to their potential having a facility like this," said Nyholt.
"My only wish is that every person, every disabled person, could have the quality of life that we're trying to help these young people have."
