YORKTON — Yorkton still needs addiction recovery services and remains open to future proposals, Mayor Aaron Kienle says, despite the withdrawal of a proposed service for 395 Riverview Rd. after months of public debate.
Speaking at Monday’s council meeting, Kienle said recovery services remain a significant need in the city and are part of a broader effort by governments and community organizations to address addiction issues.
“I wanted to make a point to state that it is a disappointing thing to me, and I think to our council and to our city as well,” Kienle said. “These are recovery services needed in our community and supported by the provincial government.”
The comments came after city administration reported that the applicant behind a proposed addiction recovery service at 395 Riverview Rd. had decided not to proceed. Council formally received and filed the report.
The proposal drew strong opposition from some nearby residents when it was first discussed by council in July. Concerns focused on the potential impact on the neighbourhood and questions about how the property would ultimately be used.
Kienle said he expects similar proposals to return in the future.
“This is certainly something that I anticipate will come back, whether it’s sober living or whether it’s some other form of recovery service along the continuum of care,” he said.
He emphasized that Yorkton is not trying to drive recovery-related services away.
“This is not something that we’re running out of town. It’s certainly a needed service.”
According to administration, the proposed use complied with the property’s commercial zoning designation and would have qualified as a permitted health-services use.
Planning officials noted that similar facilities could be proposed elsewhere in the city because health services are permitted in a number of zoning districts, meaning the issue could arise again.
Kienle said the experience highlights the importance of early communication between applicants, city officials and residents.
“Check in with city hall, see what the zoning looks like, start those conversations early,” he said. “Build a relationship with council, city administration and the community, and I think we’ll have better outcomes in the future.”
The Riverview Road property may continue to be used as it was previously, including as a short-term residential rental.
