Proposed shelter draws mixed views, appeal plans from Yellowknife businesses

A pair of businesses say they've sent letters to city hall and the territorial government voicing concern about a proposed temporary day shelter in downtown Yellowknife. 

But one possible neighbour — a dental clinic on 48th Street — says it supports setting up such a facility on the corner at 4709 Franklin Avenue, a building most recently used by Aurora Village.

"The shelter provides an essential service that benefits peoples' lives, and that's the most important," said Amanda Lillis, a treatment coordinator at her family's business, Great Slave Dental Clinic, in a text to CBC News.

Health Minister Julie Green issued an open letter to the public last week, asking residents, businesses and city council to support the location and calling it an act of reconciliation. In it, she said, a single appeal, or rejection by city council, could stall its opening by months.

"Where it's located is not up to us, and therefore we support it," said Lillis. She also noted the clinic isn't as close to the location as some other businesses are, and she didn't want to dismiss the concerns of others. 

The concerns of two businesses that are right beside the proposed location include safety of staff and patrons, and what kind of impact the shelter might have on people's "first impression" of Yellowknife.

Miko Wu, who is taking over as the new owner of the Red Apple Restaurant on Oct. 1, sent a letter to both levels of government voicing those worries.