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Christien Ellis
For Council

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Christien Ellis
For Council

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Our Youth Crisis

The landscape of youth support services in Medicine Hat is in a state of crisis, defined by the closure of key facilities that serve the city's most vulnerable young people. This crisis is a direct result of significant funding cuts that have made it financially unviable for non-profit organizations to operate.


The recent closure of youth support services has left a critical gap in our community's support system at a time when the need for these services is demonstrably increasing. These closures highlight an urgent need for sustainable, long-term solutions to ensure the well-being of Medicine Hat's youth. I believe the city must take ownership of this issue by partnering with an NGO to build and operate a youth shelter. The land where the YMCA Employment Centre was recently demolished could be the perfect location for this vital project. 

  • Gas Well Abandonment: The city will oversee the complete and safe closure of the temporarily sealed gas wells on the property. This is a critical first step to ensure the site is environmentally secure and structurally sound for construction.


  • Budget and Funding Approval: Council will issue a public Request for Proposals (RFP) to select an NGO to manage the youth shelter project. This RFP will outline the project's goals, the city's expectations, and the criteria for evaluating proposals. The chosen NGO will be responsible for the project's budget and funding, which will require City Council approval. The council will consider a budget of approximately $5.5 million, a figure benchmarked against the cost of the Sunrise House Youth Shelter expansion in Grande Prairie, to be funded through a combination of municipal funds, and provincial and federal grants.

  • Shelter Construction: The selected NGO will manage the construction and staffing of the youth shelter. The design will prioritize safety, comfort, and the needs of its future residents, with a focus on creating a welcoming and supportive environment.


  • Shelter Opening: The youth shelter will officially open its doors to provide a safe haven for young people experiencing homelessness. The Executive Director and staff will manage daily operations, including providing meals, laundry facilities, and access to essential resources.

  • Ongoing Funding and Community Partnerships: The city can offer a multi-year operating grant to cover daily expenses, ensuring the shelter's long-term stability. The City of Medicine Hat can apply for the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Provincial Grant as a potential funding source. Additionally, the city can use its own funds as a catalyst, offering them as a matching fund to help the NGO secure larger provincial or federal grants from programs like Alberta's Small Community Opportunity Program or the federal Reaching Home initiative. Council will seek to establish partnerships with local non-profits, schools, and health services to provide a network of support for the residents.  




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