Governments slow to fund new home for Edmonton’s iHuman Youth Society

EDMONTON – The iHuman Youth Society could face delays moving into its new building if government funding doesn’t appear as requested in the next few months.

Last April, the non-profit organization bought the old Hotel Equipment and Supply Co. building at 9635 102A Ave., with plans to turn it into a permanent home.

But the group, which uses the arts to help young people with addictions and mental health problems, has only raised about half the $8 million needed to start renovations this spring, executive director Catherine Broomfield said Tuesday.

They’re waiting for a provincial decision that was supposed to come in December on a $969,000 grant, will make a second request for provincial aid in March, and have nothing yet from the federal government, Broomfield said.

This could affect $1.8 million in funding the city approved in 2012, which depending on scheduling might force the group to push back its construction timetable by at least a year, she said.

“We’re very conservative in how we’re going to move forward on this project, so we’re not going to put in jeopardy … the support donors have given us,” Broomfield said.

“I don’t think it would be financially responsible for iHuman to step out there and continue. … It would be another 12 to 18 months.”

The city is studying their business case and operating plans.

iHuman is now leasing a city-owned property at 9604 101A Ave. for $1 a year, but the new facility would be more than twice as big, with room for arts studios and crisis intervention space.

The group’s long-term plan is to build up to 18 units of supportive housing on the adjoining parking lot for youth coming out of addictions treatment and young mothers.