After a contentious city council meeting Monday night, Ranch Ehrlo is clarifying details about its program that will operate out of the former Chez Nous building.
At the meeting, it was revealed that a B.C.-based company purchased the building, and Ranch Ehrlo is leasing it to expand its supportive housing program in Moose Jaw. The organization’s family support program helps families struggling with addiction, specifically aiming to keep children with their families or reunite them.
Concerns raised at council focused on communication and the fact that the project was approved as a permitted use under the R3 zoning district rather than as a discretionary use.
Natalie Huber, CEO of Ranch Ehrlo, said she understands the concerns. She explained that Ranch Ehrlo only recently signed the lease and could not begin community engagement until the last few weeks.
Since then, staff have gone door-to-door to speak with neighbours and answer questions.
“We want to be a good neighbour. That’s always our hope and desire,” Huber said. “Whenever we open any new programs in communities throughout Saskatchewan, we want to have lasting relationships and meaningfully contribute to the community by connecting with those around us.”
Ranch Ehrlo also distributed about 50 flyers and spoke to as many residents as possible in person. Huber said executive director Patti Petrucka has responded to eight to 10 inquiries and encouraged residents to reach out with questions.
It was also suggested at council that police, EMS, school divisions and public services had not been consulted. Huber said those conversations have now begun with police, schools, churches and social services.
While Ranch Ehrlo was unaware of Monday night’s meeting, it did watch the stream and has since scheduled a meeting with the mayor and council to address questions.
There has also been confusion over what exactly is going into the former Chez Nous building — supportive housing, a family reunification centre or an addiction support facility.
Huber said the program is a combination of those, depending on each family’s needs. Services include counselling, parenting support, reunification assistance, and help with substance misuse.
Questions were also raised about why the project includes 23 suites but capacity for only 16 families.
Huber said demand is high, and extra suites allow for quicker intake.
“That’s part of our business plan. We need enough space for families, as well as transition time for repairs and cleaning when families move out,” she said.
At Monday’s meeting, council passed a motion asking Ranch Ehrlo to hold a public information session. Huber said the organization is open to the idea.
“Public sessions are a welcome opportunity for us to introduce ourselves, put a personal approach to things, and clarify any misconceptions. It’s about strengthening neighbourhood relationships,” she said.
Ranch Ehrlo has operated in Saskatchewan for 60 years and in Moose Jaw for 10. Its Fairford Street supportive housing program has served the community for the past five years, with 124 families completing the program and 80 per cent of children remaining or being reunified with their families, helping 353 children stay with or return to their families.
“We consider that great news and a testament to the dedication of my team and the support of community members and the City of Moose Jaw,” Huber said.
She added that they are fortunate to be in Moose Jaw and they will support local businesses and have been welcome in the community for the past 10 years.
Community members with questions or concerns about the new program can contact Petrucka at patti.petrucka@ranchehrlo.ca or call 306-751-2913.
Below is the flyer that Ranch Ehrlo has been distributing to neighbours:
