Prince Albert City Council will consider a proposed residential care home on Linner Lane and make final decisions on two major tax abatement requests when it meets Monday.
The discretionary use permit application for 35 Linner Lane is expected to be one of the key items on the agenda. The proposal, submitted by Ahtahkakoop Child and Family Services, would allow the property to operate as an emergency receiving home for children requiring short-term placement.
According to the applicant, the home would provide temporary care for up to six children at a time, offering a safe environment while longer-term placements are arranged. The facility would be staffed by trained caregivers and support workers operating on a rotating schedule, with staff providing transportation for school, medical appointments, and other needs.
The property is located in a large-lot residential district where care homes are allowed only through discretionary approval by the council. Administration has reviewed the application and is recommending that council approve the permit.
However, several nearby residents have submitted letters opposing the proposal, raising concerns about increased traffic, safety, and compatibility with the surrounding neighbourhood. Some residents said the Cul-de-Sac layout limits access and may not be suitable for a facility with rotating staff and service vehicles.
In their correspondence to the city, residents acknowledge the importance of providing services for vulnerable children but question whether the specific location is appropriate.
Council will also consider executive committee recommendations to deny two separate property tax abatement requests involving Prism Holdings Ltd. and the Prince Albert Indian Metis Friendship Centre.
Prism Holdings Ltd. has requested four-year tax abatements for properties at 300 and 450 15th Street East. The request includes relief for the former Peavey Mart building and adjacent vacant parcel that had previously been contaminated and later remediated.
Administration has recommended denial, noting the properties have already received tax incentives in the past and that approving additional abatements could create a precedent for similar requests. Financial estimates show the combined annual tax impact for the two properties exceeds $250,000.
The Prince Albert Indian Metis Friendship Centre has requested property tax abatements totaling $66,552.60 across six properties, along with five-year exemption agreements. The properties include five vacant residential lots intended for cultural housing and a building at 717A MacArthur Drive that is planned to become an Indigenous youth service hub.
Administration has also recommended denying that request, stating the properties are not yet occupied or operating for their intended purpose. CIty policy requires properties to be in active use before qualifying for tax relief. Officials have indicated the organization may reapply once development and renovations are complete.
The executive committee has forwarded recommendations to deny both abatement requests, with the regular city council meeting responsible for making the final decision.
Council’s agenda also includes an exemption request related to a ceremonial giveaway event, a proposed traffic bylaw amendment, and the second intake of the 2025 recreation facility grant program. Councillors will also review agreements related to geographic information systems software, Microsoft 365 licensing, and a proposed increase in remuneration for the board of revision, along with regular inquiry responses and administrative reports.
Prince Albert City Council is scheduled to meet Monday at 5 pm in the council chambers at City Hall.
