SAFE HOUSE FOR ADDICTED TEENS

The city's municipal planning commission has given the green light to
a safe house for teens battling drug and alcohol addictions to be
located on the Michener lands.

Currently, the safe house, which is run by McMan Youth Family and
Community Services Association, is located in Oriole Park.

"It's fantastic," said Bonnie Taks, program manager for McMan Youth
Family and Community Services Association, after MPC's approval. "I
can't tell you how wonderful it is that we have this program
continuing on in this community."

The new facility is 4,000 square feet, much larger than their current
location.

"This will allow us to have more programming rooms and an opportunity
for the young people to get more exercise," said Taks.

The new facility will include three beds, just as the current one does
now.

The youth will stay in the facility for up to five
days.

"Our limitations will remain the same," said Taks.

The new facility on the Michener lands is currently
vacant.

Taks said some minor renovations will have to take place before they
can move there.

"We need to do some face-lifting like painting and cabinetry," she
said. "Nothing will change structurally."

The safe house will move to the new location by the end of the
year.

Meanwhile, last week, the city met with a number of investors and
stakeholders to discuss the development of Red Deer's first ever joint
use multi-unit social care facility.

The site will be located in the new Timberlands neighbourhood.

The safe house will eventually make its permanent home at this site
once it's developed.