Weyburn city council apologizes for group home comments

Weyburn’s city council has issued a public apology for comments made during Monday’s council meeting about a proposed group home in the city.

A letter from council posted on the City of Weyburn’s website Friday offered an apology to the “community of Weyburn, the province of Saskatchewan and fellow Canadians who have been hurt by the words said in Council Chambers on Monday.”

“We are deeply sorry for the dialogue which caused suffering to the individuals with disabilities in our community and the distress this has placed on residents across our city and province,” the letter read.

“The intent of the conversation was never to hurt or exclude any group or individuals. We handled the situation poorly and the statements that were made are not excusable.”

During Monday’s meeting, city council rejected a proposal for a group home to be built in The Creeks, one of Weyburn’s more affluent areas.

Letters from residents outlining concerns about safety and property values were cited by councillors as they voted down the proposals. Comments also were made about group homes that since have drawn condemnation from provincial politicians.

The council’s letter addressed those concerns.

“As elected leadership of this city, the insensitive words said on Monday do not reflect what our community is about,” it read. “We support the tremendous work being done by our incredible residents, families and organizations who have committed to making Weyburn a better place and commend their values of compassion, advocacy and inclusion.”

In addition to the apology, the council vowed to “exhaust all avenues to find a solution to get the care home built and to begin the healing process with our community.”