Closing of Valley View Centre modified to follow report

The provincial governmenthas accepted a plan that will see residents of Valley View Centrein Moose Jawmoved out within three years.

Thefacilityhas been a home topeople with intellectual disabilities since it opened in 1955. In recent years, mental health experts have advocated that care in the community is preferable to large institutions.

However, when plans to closeValley View Centre emerged, concerns were raised about disrupting the lives of people who have known only one home. A task force was formed to find ways to meet the concerns.

On Monday, the province said14 recommendations from the workinggroup would befollowed.

Many of the recommendations dealt with ensuring residents, and their care givers, are part of the planning process for the move tocare homes in the community. The recommendations also call on the province to ensure supports and activity programs are available to former Valley View Centre residents.

The province said anaction plan would becreated, along with implementation teamsto guide the planning and development of new homes and services, based on the recommendations.

The 197 residents of Valley View are to be moved to different types of community-based housing depending on their needs. That could include licensed private homes that provide for people with intellectual disabilities or group homes with staff to provide care, supervision and support.

The averageage of a Valley View resident is just under 59. Roughly four out of five residents are more than 50 years old.