Valley View Centre closing

Inside the walls of the Valley View Centre is almost 60 years of community. The centre was built in 1955 for people with intellectual disabilities, and many residents have lived there for decades. 

But the government announced Friday they’re phasing out the centre and replacing it with a more modern style of care.  

Minister of Social Services, June Draude, says the facility was built for the kind of services that were provided then, and it’s not the standard they deserve now. 

“There’s an expectation from everyone now that they should enjoy a standard of life that is equal to whatever everybody else can have,” said Draude. 

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They’re working to implement a more inclusive service, but at the moment the future is fuzzy. 

“We don’t know what the new facilities will look like yet,” said Draude. “That’s why we’re engaging on a consultation plan to see where we should be going.” 

They’ve initiated discussions with the Valley View residents and their families as well as staff to try and reach an end goal that will better meet everyone’s needs.  

But Saskatchewan NDP Leader, John Nilson, isn’t sure that the four year deadline is realistic. 

“What we have here is announcing effectively a closure of Valley View in four years, but they don’t have a plan yet,” said Nilson. “They’re just starting to plan for a plan.” 

He’s worried that this is a dangerous pattern. The government also announced a closure of a seniors home in Humboldt over the weekend. 

“They’ve gone in and told people well we’re just going to move you somewhere else,” he said. “You have to do that in a way that respects each individual person.” 

Minister Draude says that’s what the consultation process is for. The meetings will start the beginning of March. 

“We’re going to be talking to the families, talking to the staff to make sure we can transition them to the services that will be best suited to their needs,” said Draude.