YWCA eager to make their case at first homeless shelter consultation

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YWCA eager to make their case at first homeless shelter consultation

First of four meetings scheduled for tonight at the Ches Leach Lounge

Uko Akpanuko, Daily Herald

Representatives from The City of Prince Albert, the YWCA as well as a panel of community stakeholders will be on hand to answer questions about address key issues when residents gather for the first of four homeless consultation meetings Wednesday night. The goal is to receive feedback from residents about where Prince Albert should place a new permanent homeless shelter. However, it’s also a chance for organizations like the YWCA to make their case for the best shelter location.


“Our message that we hope to get across to members the public … is to focus on who we are, what the shelter is, what the Stepping Stones is, the clientele they serve, the need for a permanent shelter sooner rather than later, and the services our clients use so that the public can have an informed opinion,” Donna Brooks the CEO of YWCA Prince Albert said. “That’s what we’re looking at. That will be our role, providing all the education we can.”


An Enhanced Emergency Shelter is a 24-hour shelter for people experiencing homelessness. It provides a safe space where they can have their basic needs met, such as food, shelter, and hygiene.

It is also a place where they can receive support with mental health, addictions, and access positive activities such as life-skills programming.  The goal of the shelter is to support individuals to find dignity, self-esteem, and help to find long term housing.
Brooks said there are a lot of mitigating things put into place to ensure the shelter is a good neighbour, but added their goal was to keep the development out of residential areas.

“We don’t want to put a shelter in a residential neighborhood, I will say that upfront” Brooks said. “That’s not an interest of YWCA. We don’t believe a shelter belongs in a residential neigbourhood, so any neighborhood that we would be in will be non-residential. (That’s) what I’m hoping for.

“Now that’s not to say that there isn’t residential neighbourhood within a few hundred meters …, but not right in the heart of a residential neighborhood. Whatever neighborhood that the shelter is, it needs to be close the services that the clients access.”
She also added that well run shelters don’t cause problems for the neighbourhoods they’re located in, and YWCA has been running shelters without causing problems for years.

“We believe we run our shelters well,” Brooks said. “You hear in the news about the ones that go wrong, but you don’t hear about the ones that go right…. You don’t hear about the success stories. You only hear about the negative in the news, so we want to re-write that narrative and be able to help people make an informed decision.”


Wednesday’s meeting is one of four consultations aimed at sharing information and gathering feedback from across the community. The dates and venues for the workshops are Wednesday, Jan. 15 at the Ches Leach Lounge, Art Hauser Centre, 5:30p.m. – 7:30p.m; Monday, Jan. 20 at the Midtown Community Club, 5:30p.m. – 7:30p.m; Tuesday, Jan. 21 at the Alfred Jenkins Field House, 5:30p.m. – 7:30p.m and Thursday, Jan 30 at PAGC Urban Services, 5:30p.m. – 7:30p.m.


“It is clear that finding a location for a permanent shelter location is a priority for our community,” said Mayor Bill Powalinsky in a press release.

“We need broad consultation to ensure we are hearing all points of view before we make a final decision. With good information, we can ensure we have a good plan to support the shelter once a final location is determined. I encourage all residents to consider taking part in this opportunity.”


For those who are unable to attend but would like to provide input, an online survey will be prepared and made available once finalized.

–with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald

Cosmo Club donation helps Salvation Army keep ceiling over their heads

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Cosmo Club donation helps Salvation Army keep ceiling over their heads

Uko Akpanuko

Daily Herald

The Prince Albert Cosmopolitan Club has donated $6,000 to the Salvation Army in Prince Albert for the specific purpose of replacing the ceiling tiles in the Church building. The club raised the money through football lotteries and bingos. Club president Guy Mounce said the decision was an easy one.

“We always like to support community initiatives and Salvation Army is definitely a leader in supporting the needy personal in our city so we can get behind them pretty easily,” Mounce said. Major Ed Dean the Officer in Charge of the Prince Albert Salvation Army, said they were grateful for the support. “Thank you so much for this generous donation because it is appreciated and in the overall scheme of things when all these pieces come together, it is a nice looking project,” he said. “The donation means we are going to replace all the old and stained ceiling tiles in our building to make it clean and fresh. It enhances the rest of the building that has been worked on. It’s a unique gift because it was specifically for a purpose and that purpose was ceiling tiles.”

“It’s not a typical donation but it is one of those things that people do not often think about,” Major Charlotte Dean added. “It’s kind of like when they do the hospital fundraisers, and they say not everybody that thinks about new mattresses for the beds, or things like that. This is that kind of thing. Somebody’s not going to come in and say, ‘hmmm, can I donate for the ceiing?’ It’s not that kind of thing, so it fits a need.”

Mounce also said that they are always looking for ways to make donations to improve the community.

The Cosmo Club is well known for the Cosmo Lodge and it holds its meeting on every Wednesday night. The club is open to welcoming new members into their fold. For those who will like to join or donate, visit the Club’s website and Facebook page.

–with files from Michael Oleksyn/Daily Heral

PAMC begins free program to help local youth improve job finding skills

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PAMC begins free program to help local youth improve job finding skills

Uko Akpanuko, Daily Herald


The Prince Albert Multicultural Council(PAMC) is offering a new free Youth Employment Skills and Support Program for residents in Prince Albert and the surrounding communities.

Residents must be between the ages 15-30 to enter the program. It will focus on those who are looking to gain work experience, build their resume or develop essential skills like communication, teamwork and problem-solving.

“It’s just basic skills that we’ll be providing, essential soft skills like communication, teamwork, time management, resume writing, interview skills, those are the things where we help,” program coordinator Melanie Carcillar said. “(It’s) also for them to gain safety (certifications) that will be needed in their job”

Other highlights of the program will include one-on-one job mentoring, career planning and job placement. Carcillar said each youth will have the program tailored to their needs, depending on what career path they choose.

“It is very important for them,” she said. “It is for them to keep having jobs and a harmonious relationship with their co-workers, the people around them, and with themselves as well.”

“We want to set them up for success,” PAMC executive director Michelle Hassler added. “We want to set them up so that they will only be able to get a job but to be able to keep the job.”

Also the program will offer transportation support or housing or mental wellness to those who need it. It is an ongoing and continuous program.

The program will be on for about four years and the PAMC is available to anyone who has anything to contribute.

Hassler said they decided to start the program because they wanted something that was youth focused. Most of their programming, she said, focused on adults and families. This one was created with the goal of helping young people who are seeking their first job.

In 2023, the PAMC received federal funding to start a youth ambassador program, and Hassler said that showed them the value of youth engagement in the community.

“Most of our youth do need support when it comes to employment skills, life skills, even just to come and do a little bit of engagement in the community or in other activities,” she said. “When the opportunity came in, it was just the right opportunity for the PA Multicultural Council to be able to be able to extend and expand our programs to youth clients.”

Hassler also added that “the Program is not only open to youth participants in Prince Albert community. This is actually open to all the nearby communities as well outside Prince Albert. So we can also accommodate the rural communities outside Prince Albert as far as Nipawin and Tisdale, and all that nearby reserves, so we can accept participants from remote communities.”

Interested candidates can call 306-922-0400 or email melanie.pamc@gmail.com to register for the skills and support program or visit the Council at 1410C Central Avenue in Prince Albert.

“Hopefully through this kind of program we can help more because now they know that there is employment support here, there is skill training support here, if they just want to talk to somebody for like a guidance and counselling they can come here, and all these is free,” Hassler said.

Let’s go fly fishing

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Let’s go fly fishing

Uko Akpanuko

Daily Herald

The residents of Prince Albert and area had the opportunity to learn more about the art and technique of flyfishing as the Northern Waters Flyfishers held the first of four Beat-The-Winter-Blues Fly Casting practice sessions on Jan. 3.

“We’re just renting the gym at the Alfred Jenkins to do some indoor fly casting to get us ready for when the fishing season opens up, and also to teach anybody who’s interested how to flyfish,” club president Kendall Kerr said. “We’ve got three people here tonight who have tried flyfishing and want to learn more and have a rod. It’s just an opportunity for club members to get out.”

Kerr said some residents think flyfishing is harder than it is because of how it’s portrayed in movies and TV shows. The truth, he said, is that if you can “walk and chew gum,” then you have all the coordination skills needed to master the casting technique. It just requires practice.

“There is no secret,” Kerr said. “It’s not hard. It’s just learning the rhythm and the basic technique of how to do it properly.”

Northern Waters’ aims and objectives include promoting the sport of flyfishing, providing a forum for the exchange of flyfishing ideas and techniques, preserving, reclaiming and enhancing fish habitats, and supporting or furthering fisheries research and conservation.

The club has been around for almost 20 years. Kerr said their membership goes up and down as people master the skill of casting, or move on to a different hobby.

Michael Oleksyn/Daily Herald There was a large group out to learn about fly fishing at the gym in the Alfred Jenkins Fieldhouse as the Northern Waters Flyfishers presented their learn to fly fish event.

The club “took a big hit” during the COVID years, Kerr added, but has rebounded since then.

“We’re like any club. We’re rebuilding after COVID,” he said. “We’ve survived COVID. We’re still around.”

The next three fly casting sessions will be held on Feb. 14, March 7, and April 25. The sessions run from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Alfred Jenkins Field House. For more information, visit the Northern Waters Flyfishers Facebook page, or go to their website at www.nwff.ca.

-with files from Michael Oleksyn/Daily Herald

editorial@paherald.sk.ca

City sets dates for homeless shelter consultation meetings

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City sets dates for homeless shelter consultation meetings

Uko Akpanuko

Daily Herald

The City of Prince Albert has announced the dates and locations for four public consultation meetings to decide on a new location for a permanent enhanced emergency homeless shelter.

The first is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 15 at the Ches Leach Lounge, followed by Monday, Jan. 20 at the Midtown Community Club, Tuesday, Jan. 21 at the Alfred Jenkins Field House, and Thursday, Jan. 30 at the PAGC Urban Services building. All meetings start at 5:30 p.m.

In a press release, Mayor Bill Powalinsky encouraged residents and interested stakeholders to attend one of the four upcoming workshops to share information and gather feedback from across the community that will inform the City’s decision.

“It is clear that finding a location for a permanent shelter location is a priority for our community,” said Powalinsky. “We need broad consultation to ensure we are hearing all points of view before we make a final decision. With good information, we can ensure we have a good plan to support the shelter once a final location is determined. I encourage all residents to consider taking part in this opportunity.”

City of Prince Albert Community Safety and Well-Being Manager Anna Dinsdale said the four meeting locations will ensure all residents can attend a meeting in their area.

“We felt that was is important to try to make sure that the sessions were as accessible to the people as possible across the community,” Dinsdale said. “We were broadly aiming for the four quadrants of the city. We know that we also needed location that were big enough if we have large turnouts. The one location (where) I’m not sure it’s going to be big enough is the Alfred Jenkins Field House, but we’ll get a good idea from the first two sessions about how many people are turning up.”

The workshops will include presentations from City of Prince Albert and YWCA representatives as well as a panel of community stakeholders who can answer questions. There will also be roundtables to collect feedback from participants.

“The sessions will be divided into a kind of presentation session that (will) provide some context to the broader kind of work that’s being done around homelessness in the housing continuum across the City. That’s just a very brief kind of overview and the reason for that is because that helps people to focus their attention specifically on the emergency shelter,” Dinsdale explained. “This isn’t a consultation on homelessness. This is a consultation on finding a location for the shelter itself, and that is just one small part of the bigger piece of work that we’re undertaking.”

She added that there will be round table discussions where residents can talk about issues openly and the sessions will be recorded so a transcript will be available.

The event will feature a speaker who used to be homeless, but has since transitioned into housing. There will also be a discussion about the safety plan for any new shelter, followed by a

question and answer session with representatives from fire, bylaw, and other members of the community that will support the shelter wherever it ends up. Dinsdale said residents who don’t feel comfortable speaking publicly can make a note of any questions or concerns and hand that in at the end of the meeting.

The format will be the same for each meeting.

Dinsdale will be one of several city officials present for each meeting. Planning Director Craig Guidinger will also be in attendance, as will bylaw officers, fire department representatives, and a few elected officials.

Dinsdale added that it’s difficult to pin down what a timeline will look like for a new emergency shelter once these consultation sessions are complete. At the Dec. 16 council meeting, Powalinsky said he wanted the City to find a new location by the end of March.

Dinsdale said she’s not sure if its’ possible to hit that deadline, but the consultations are an important step towards moving the project forward.

An Enhanced Emergency Shelter is a 24-hour shelter for people experiencing homelessness. It provides a safe space where they can have their basic needs met, such as food, shelter, and hygiene. It is also a place where they can receive support with mental health, addictions, and access positive activities such as life-skills programming. The goal of the shelter is to support individuals to find dignity, self-esteem, and help to find long term housing.

For those who are unable to attend but would like to provide input, the City will prepare an online survey that will be made available to such persons.

–with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald

PAPS hosts 2024 “shop with a Cop” Event

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PAPS hosts 2024 “shop with a Cop” Event

Uko Akpanuko
Daily Herald

The Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS) hosted its annual “Shop with a Cop” Christmas event on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

PAPS members joined around 20 students from the community at Canadian Tire to help them pick out gifts for friends and family.

“It’s been such an amazing program for our community and especially for the kids and the students who are involved,” Sergeant Derek Simonson of the Prince Albert Police Service Community Policing Unit said.

The 20 students were selected from four different schools in Prince Albert and given $150 to spend on Christmas gifts for their families.

The Prince Albert Police Service have been carrying out this event since 2008 when the total was $100 per student, but this year the PAPS decided to increase it to $150 per student.

“It gives us an opportunity to strengthen and promote those positive relationships with the kids,” Simonson said. “Families around Christmas time, we know, are a little bit more stressed. This, we hope, is just a little bit to make that Christmas Day that much more special.”

Michael Oleksyn/Daily Herald Nicole Pura posed for a photo with Nicole and Thurston during Shop with a Cop at Canadian Tire on Wednesday.

The event also afforded some police officers the opportunity to get away from their normal official duties.

“It’s really interesting because there’s a lot of kids who are doing some real practical shopping for their parents and of course we have a few kids that want to buy for themselves, so we’ve got to help them a little bit, but it’s great,” Simonson said. “The police officers are enjoying this just as much as the kids.”

Nitanis Ratt, a Grade 3 student from St. John Community School, was among the 20 students who were out shopping on Wednesday. In an interview, Ratt said she had found gifts for her brother, sister, mom, and all but one of her many uncles.

“My brother, my uncle, my other uncle, my other uncle, (and my mom

“I got my sister this little toy unicorn. I got one of my uncles this fuzzy blanket (and) I got my brother this,” she said holding up a nerf gun.

Prince Albert Police Service chaplain Nora Vedress was on site to help Ratt with her shopping. Vedress said Shop with a Cop is always a fun event to be a part of.

“It’s one of my favourite days of the whole year,” Vedress said. “It’s just so much fun seeing the kids and the officers interacting. The kids are smiling (and) the officers are smiling. It’s just nice to have a day where no one has anything worry about. We can all just hang out and have fun together, build some bridges and make some friends. It’s great.”

Prince Albert resident continues Christmas scarf tradition

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Prince Albert resident continues Christmas scarf tradition

Uko Akpanuko

Daily Herald

For the past seven years, Prince Albert resident Eleanor George and her friend Arlene Kennedy have spent the year knitting and donating scarves for vulnerable residents.

On Friday, George continued that tradition, presenting another 12 months of work to Mayor Bill Powalinsky and Coun. Daniel Brown, who will oversee distribution.

“It’s fun, (and) I enjoy doing it,” George said. “I do this all year. I sit and watch TV, and I can’t do that. I’ve always got a crochet or book in my hand.”

George created 52 scarves this year, while Kennedy finished 32. When combined with leftovers they had in storage, the duo had 170 scarves, and afghan, and two pairs of slippers to donate. She was inspired to do this because she saw vulnerable residents who needed to be covered to keep warm.

“It’s cold outside,” she said. “When you drive—even I, who drive so seldom—(you) see it when I’m out. “This has been seven years,” she added. “The first year I gave them money but after that I have been making them and Arlene has been helping me.” Newly elected Prince Albert mayor Bill Powalinsky and Coun. Daniel Brown were on hand to receive the donation. Powalinsky said the donation was heart-warming.

“Eleanor and her friend Arlene are proof positive that each one of us can make a difference,” he said. “Especially this year, it’s very important for us to look in our community and in our hearts to see where and how we can make a difference in our community.”

Powalinsky said the scarves will be dropped off at various locations including the PAGC Urban Centre, the YWCA’s Stepping Stones Shelter, the Prince Albert Indian Metis Friendship Centre, and the PA Metis Women Association. Those organizations will hand the scarves out as needed.

“I really feel Eleanor’s example is one that we can all rally behind” Powalinsky said. “If everybody could contribute or do their part I think we’d be a long way towards alleviating a lot of our social issues.” –with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald

PAGC says Merry Christmas with annual holiday meal

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PAGC says Merry Christmas with annual holiday meal

Turkey time at Urban Services

Uko Akpanuko, Daily Herald


The PAGC Urban Services building was packed on Wednesday as the organization held its annual Christmas Turkey Dinner for those in need.

The event ran from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday. PAGC officials said it was important to help out vulnerable community members.

“It’s been great,” Athabasca Labour Force Development Coordinator Mel Mercredi said. “We’ve had about 300 people come through so far, and we’ve still got another hour and a half to go. We’ve been here since this morning setting up, and we’ve had all our volunteers coming in.”

Mercredi said the PAGC does as much as it can to help vulnerable residents, regardless of where they come from. If they are in the PAGC service area, he said, the organization is willing to help them.

Jason Kerr/Daily Herald. Volunteer Justin Pratt helps guests find a new blanket or sleeping bag during the PAGC Community Christmas Dinner on Wednesday.

That includes things like helping them find a home or fill out a resume, to providing warm meals on a cold day like with Wednesday’s turkey dinner.

“Sitting down with them, bringing them coffee, visiting, saying Merry Christmas to them mean a lot,” Mercredi said. “I can feel the good vibes in here.”

In addition to the meal, guests also had a chance receive new toques or gloves, and the PAGC health department was on hand giving away 100 new sleeping bags.

Mercredi said there’s a big cost to hosting events like this, and that means other programs, like  the annual Christmas hamper program, are on hold. He said the PAGC needs community partners to step up and help with larger events like this one.

On Wednesday, other community groups and volunteers were quick to jump in and help the PAGC shoulder the load. The list of sponsors and volunteers includes emergency services, businesses, cultural groups, and members of council.

Jason Kerr/Daily Herald
Volunteer Jonas Archibald hands out packages of candy during the PAGC Christmas Turkey Dinner on Wednesday.

Last year, the PAGC and their partners served around 300 people. Final numbers were not available by press time, but Mercredi expects they served even more this year.

He said their efforts to help vulnerable residents will continue into the New Year. That includes more dinners like this one, and barbecues in the summer.

“The PAGC is always doing something,” he said. “I think a lot of people don’t see the things we do behind the scenes, and not just with Urban Services. The Prince Albert Grand Council, we’re always helping every member who is from the City, the First Nations, whether they’re from another tribal council. They’re in our service area, so we’re helping them.”

Mecredi ended the interview by wishing everyone in Prince Albert a Merry Christmas on behalf of PAGC Urban Services.

–with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald

editorial@paherald.sk.ca

Hunger Games raises more than $10,000 for food bank

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Hunger Games raises more than $10,000 for food bank

Uko Akpanuko

Daily Herald

Local cadets competed with Emergency Services representatives from around Prince Albert at the second annual Hunger Games on Dec. 18.

The goal of The Hunger Games was to raise funds and food for the Prince Albert Food Bank and the competitors gave their best to achieve this goal.

“I love it. It’s as a good fundraiser,” Sturgeon Lake cadet Braiden Roberts said. “Everyone is having fun. It’s nice to see everyone gathering together just to put something towards something good.”

“It is nice to know how many people want to support and help fund this food donation (campaign) and also to watch everyone overall have a good time with the Cops versus Cadets,” added Abraham Felix, another cadet from Sturgeon Lake. “I hope to see more in the future.”

A total of 10 teams competed in this year’s event. They are Air/Sea Cadets, Corrections Canada, Sturgeon Lake First Nations Cadet Corps, PAGC Executive Team, PA Police Service, PA Fire Fighters, Parkland Ambulance, PA First Nations Cadet Corps, RCMP and the Conservation Officers Team.

The cadets and emergency responders competed in volleyball, planking, a basketball relay, and a blind relay to determine The Hunger Games champion.

Both Roberts and Felix said it’s important for the cadets to help give back to the community.

“I feel like some people don’t have much funding growing up or in the situation they are in right now,” Felix said. “I feel like we should offer support since it’s Christmas and the holiday is showing up. We should really help others in need to make sure everyone has a good holiday.”

“Everyone has to give just a little bit, especially to the people who are in need,” Roberts added.

Team PAGC’s Alex Waditaka (left) and Sturgeon Lake cadet Elijah Naytowhow (right) begin the Basketball Relay Race at the 2024 Hunger Games at the PAGC Urban Services Building on Wednesday. — Jason Kerr/Daily Herald

The cadet and emergency services teams combined to raise $5,636 for the PA Food Bank, with the PAGC Executive matching those donations up to $5,000. Food box and bag donations were estimated at around $1,500, bringing the fundraising total to $12,000. That surpassed last year’s total of $8,000.

The Christmas Spirit Award was once again won by Sturgeon Lake First Nations Cadet Corps who raised more than $2,200 in cash for the food bank.

“I think it is an amazing thing,” said Warrant Officer Jaydan Braaten of Prince Albert Air Cadets Squadron No. 38 ANAVETS. “I signed up, but sadly did not participate last year as I was busy. However, being here now this year, I am very glad to watch my cadets give back to the community.”

“A lot of people need access to the food bank, especially with our rising homeless population,” RCSCC 118 Rawalpindi Petty Officer First Class Nesslin McDonald added. “They’re going to be cold and they’re going to be hungry, and it’s just really important that they have access to (the food bank).”

PAGC Team “Hardlotte’s Hero’s” dominated the Volleyball portion of the events by winning all games played. They struggled in some of the relay events and by the end of regular events they ended up tie with the Firefighters with 40 points.

The tie breaker was an event where they formed a circle and rallied to keep the Volleyball in the air as long as possible.  After each team took 2 turns, they once again tied at 61 hits to keep the ball in the air.

It went to a third round with PAGC pulling out 201 hits to keep the ball in the air. The firefighter team was not able to beat this score and placed second behind PAGC Executive Team.  Third place went to the Conservation Officers.

PAGC Justice Director and First Nations Cadet Coordinator Rick Sanderson said it was great to have so many teams participate.
“Many (teams) are tasked with difficult careers and serving the public, but still found the time to raise funds and to come out to compete in this important event to assist others once again,” Sanderson said in a press release. “On behalf of PAGC and its executive and its employees, we would like to thank you for your service. As PAGC Justice Director I would also like to thank our Executive for matching the donations up to $5,000.”

–with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald

PAPL Director takes a bow

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PAPL Director takes a bow

Uko Akpanuko, Daily Herald

The Prince Albert Public Library (PAPL) has announced that its Director, Alex Juorio, will be retiring after Friday after more than 20 years with the library.

He will be replaced by Greg Elliott who is currently the library’s deputy director. Juorio said it’s an “odd sensation” to think he won’t be working at the library anymore, but he’s confident it’s in good hands.

“Honestly, I feel like the library is in a good place,” Juorio said. “I have done a lot. We have left as a regional library, from Wapiti Regional Library, (and) become our own municipal library like Saskatoon and Regina are governed, and that positions us for a good future.”

One of those things Juorio would like to see in the future is extra library branches. He said Prince Albert’s population is such that the City should be looking at adding another building as a second service point.

Juorio worked seven years as deputy director with the PAPL before leaving briefly. He returned a few years later to become the library’s director, a position he held for 14 years.

“I always joke that just about everything that could happen has happened here while I’ve been here, including a bomb threat. That was a big adventure,” Juorio said. “You tend to think about things that go wrong and dwell on those, but once in a while someone will come and just be really grateful the library service exists … and that means a lot. Library work is one of those fields where you can really make a difference to people.”

While talking about what he intends to do after retirement, the outgoing director said he’s not sure what the future will bring, but whatever it is, it will be a change.

“There is no plan to go work in a different library,” he said. “First of all I am going to have a rest and focus on being more active. The future may bring more things like that, but I’m not going to immediately swan off into a different thing. That’s not my plan.”

Greg Elliott will be taking over as the new Director of the Prince Albert Public Library after working as deputy director for 11 years. He said the PAPL has had capable management teams, and he plans to continue that in his new role.

“We’ve been incredibly fortunate here with our personnel and management team,” Elliott said. “It (working at the PAPL) always brings interesting challenges and there’s always room for growth as well.”

In the future, Elliott said he hopes to see the library grow a second branch. Improving access to services for Indigenous residents will also be a priority, he added.

“One of the major challenges or goals would be to just improve the footprint of the library within the community,” he said. “We have a great collection. We have fantastic programs, and we keep advertising.  Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to go as broadly within the community as it really ought.

“We will be endeavouring to improve our footprint in the community and to develop further programs that will include more and more people.”

–with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald

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