Yorkton City Council has pushed a decision on a proposed recovery home at 395 Riverview Road to August 10, 2026, while denying another proposal at 7 Driftwood Crescent. Both properties were bought by Poundmaker’s Lodge Treatment Centres, a non-profit working with the Saskatchewan government on a five-year plan for recovery beds across the province.
The decision came at a packed July 13 meeting where residents crowded council chambers to voice concerns. Deputy Mayor Darcy Zaharia acknowledged the need for such services but stressed the challenge of location. “There were so many residents, our chambers were full,” he said. “Everybody on council has been talked to, people got a hold of us voicing their concerns.”
Council unanimously denied a zoning change for the Driftwood Crescent property, which would have allowed a sober living home in a residential area. However, the Riverview Road site is zoned commercial, where health services may already be allowed, so the permit application is still under review. The deferral gives Poundmaker’s Lodge time to provide more details, lets the city complete its assessment, and allows residents to submit comments.
Poundmaker’s Lodge says these would be second-stage homes for people who have already finished formal treatment. “These are supportive, sober-living environments where people can continue their recovery journey,” said community engagement officer Carla Jamison. “Residents must apply, be committed to recovery and go through a screening process before being accepted.” The organization has been providing addictions care for over 50 years and receives $607,000 annually from the province for sober living spaces.
Mayor Aaron Kienle was absent, representing Yorkton at a United Nations meeting on sustainable development goals. The final decision on Riverview Road is expected at the August 10 council meeting.
