Residents have been told they will be moving out of the St. Elias Adult Group Home in downtown Whitehorse and into two smaller group homes, a Yukon Health and Social Services department spokesperson has confirmed by email.
The Official Opposition had raised questions about the future of the group home in a Jan. 10 press release. In the release, Yukon Party health critic Brad Cathers asks for clarification on what’s happening, the impact on residents, the costs tied to any changes and the reasoning.
The $4.2-million group home on Hoge Street was built to house adults with cognitive disabilities and mental illnesses, according to a News story from when the building opened under the former Yukon Party government in April 2016. The News reported the group home can accommodate up to 10 clients with moderate to severe needs and was intended to be staffed 24 hours a day.
An email from Zachary Burke in department communications indicates the move out of the St. Elias Adult Group Home is “consistent with what’s happening” with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Canada. Burke said institutions are closing in favour of community-based housing.
Per the email, three residents will be going to the Tay Street group home, which is run by Opportunities Yukon, on Feb. 1. The other five residents will be going to a new group home, which is expected to open on April 1. It will also be operated by Opportunities Yukon.
“We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for these individuals, prioritizing their well-being and keeping them informed about the relocation plans and the support structures that will be in place for them in the new settings,” Burke wrote.
He said the department is in the “final stages of planning a new program for the [St. Elias Adult Group Home] building, which would provide group-living services for adults.”
More details on the future of the St. Elias Adult Group Home building will be released soon, per Burke.
Burke said the current program is cost neutral.
Contact Dana Hatherly at dana.hatherly@yukon-news.com