After a devastating loss of its Connections Clubhouse, the Prince George branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association was without a home.
Thanks to the Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George (AHSPG), and its willingness to share space, the CMHA says it’s now almost fully operational.
However, the organization had one more roadblock to overcome before it could run its not-for-profit socially purposed kitchen, Two Rivers Catering, out the AHSPG head office space at 1919 17th Ave.
It needed to apply for a temporary use permit at city council.
“Our intention is to apply for rezoning of the property with a commercial kitchen as a permitted use,” said the AHSPG in a letter to Prince George City Council, regarding a temporary use permit that would allow the group to use the kitchen while applying for permanent rezoning.
Two Rivers Catering is the CMHA social enterprise that provides vocational training for individuals wanting to learn how to improve their skills in the kitchen and learn the catering business.
It’s been running for eight years out the Connections Clubhouse (formerly Mary Harper Achievement Centre).
“We occupy two main spaces in the Aboriginal Housing Offices – the kitchen and the banquet hall. The kitchen is used exclusively by Two Rivers Catering and staff as well as any CMHA Life Skills or Vocational Staff who are providing support for their clients who are learning the work,” explained CMHA in a letter to council.
“The banquet hall is used our gathering place where we have meals together and have social interaction like play crib or puzzles and conversation, coordinate outside gardening and cleanup work, coordinate for the afternoon activities and excursions like bowling or trips hold planning meetings etc.”
The organization says the only things they are unable to do in the AHSPG provide staff offices and the mini store A Little of This and That.
City council unanimously approved the temporary use permit at its Jan. 25 meeting.
