Debates of June 8, 2006 (day 8)

Mr. Speaker, I would like to direct a couple of questions to Mr. Roland, the Minister for Public Works and Services. This relates to the arrangement that our government has with the YWCA. This provides them with a very valuable multi-storey apartment building located in my riding and it’s part of their housing infrastructure and the services that they provide to the community.

Mr. Speaker, this apartment building, the Rockhill Apartments, is made available through a lease. It’s my information that this lease is expiring within the next year or perhaps two and that the building is going to be in need of some up-fits. I am wondering if the Minister can advise on what the capital plans may be to bring this building up to modern standards and continue the lease with the YWCA, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Braden. The honourable Minister of FMBS, Mr. Roland.

Return To Question 91-15(5): YWCA Lease For Rockhill Apartments In Yellowknife

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Rockhill Apartments is an issue we have worked on with the Department of Health and Social Services and we have done some work with the Housing Corporation. The initial lease was entered into on a 10-year agreement, then another 10-extension. There has been work done on it on an annual basis. Public Works and Services spends about $50,000 in trying to protect the asset. Further to that, as part of the 2006-07 as part of our main estimates, our infrastructure acquisition plan within the Department of Health and Social Services; identified in 2007-08 is some repair work for that apartment building continuing on to 2008-09. Again, the capital plan for future years always has to come back and get approval from this House for the year that we are in. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mr. Braden.

Supplementary To Question 91-15(5): YWCA Lease For Rockhill Apartments In Yellowknife

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, the investment that goes into the building on an ongoing basis I am sure is appreciated. Also of concern to the YWCA is the renewal of the lease. This is something that I understand we have been working on, but, of course, timing is always of some significance, Mr. Speaker. I am wondering if the Minister could advise how negotiations are going and when a conclusion might be expected, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Braden. Mr. Roland.

Further Return To Question 91-15(5): YWCA Lease For Rockhill Apartments In Yellowknife

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the role of Public Works in this would be one from an asset base working with a client department, this being Health and Social Services. This is in the area of coming up with a plan of what is required. In discussions with staff between Public Works and Services and Health and Social Services, Health and Social Services has deemed this facility to have an important role within their social support system. Part of the exercise we are going through is in the area of the Homelessness Strategy. Once that unfolds a little more, we will have a better indication of what role this facility will play in that strategy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.