BONNYVILLE — Staffing, affordable housing and changes to Alberta’s disability assistance system were among the issues brought forward by the Dove Centre during a meeting with Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr on September 24.

Cyr met with members of the Dove Centre Board and CEO Robert Goulet in Bonnyville to hear about the organization’s work supporting adults with developmental disabilities and some of the challenges it is seeing locally.

The Dove Centre has served the community since 1973, helping adults with developmental disabilities build independence through residential and independent living services, community access and employment opportunities.

The organization also operates the Bonnyville Bottle Depot and Bargain Boutique, which provide employment opportunities while supporting the Centre and the broader community.

Disability program changes among issues discussed

One topic raised during the September 24 meeting was the implementation of the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) and how it will interact with Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH).

The discussion also touched on disability services more broadly, along with staffing and affordable housing.

Cyr said hearing from organizations working directly with people who have developmental disabilities is important as changes to provincial programs are implemented.

“I will bring the feedback I heard forward to Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services Nathan Neudorf and his ministry,” Cyr said.

The meeting produced no specific commitments or funding announcements.

Regional growth could add pressure

The conversation also looked beyond the organization’s immediate challenges.

With significant investment underway at 4 Wing Cold Lake and continued activity in the region’s oil and gas sector, northeastern Alberta is preparing for potential population and economic growth.

While that growth could create new opportunities, Cyr said it could also increase existing pressures around workforce availability and affordable housing—issues that can directly affect organizations such as the Dove Centre.

“Organizations such as the Dove Centre need to be part of that conversation because economic development, workforce capacity, housing and community services are all connected,” Cyr said.

For service providers, attracting and retaining employees can become increasingly difficult when housing availability and affordability are strained. Growth can also increase demand for community-based services, making long-term planning important for organizations supporting vulnerable residents.

More than 50 years in Bonnyville

The visit also marked a return to an organization Cyr was involved with before entering provincial politics.

Cyr previously served on the Dove Centre Board and said returning as the area’s MLA carried personal significance.

“It was great to be back at the Centre in Bonnyville and to spend time hearing directly from those doing this important work in our region,” he said.

Cyr thanked Goulet and Dove Centre Board President Yvonne Szydlik, Vice President Alvin Green, Treasurer Isabelle Hetu, Secretary Claudia Hubbard and Directors Rodger Turcotte, Roxanne Ulanicki and Skylar Karasiuk for their work with the organization.

For the Dove Centre, the September 24 meeting provided an opportunity to put the realities it is seeing on the ground directly in front of the province — from changes to disability assistance to the challenge of finding staff and affordable places for people to live.