Dear Editor:
In the January 10 edition of this paper, an article entitled City Shorted on ReStore Closure leaves the impression that ReStore left town not intending to pay its loan. This is a false impression. ReStore Yorkton had made payments totalling $40 thousand against its $100 thousand interest-free loan from the City. Following the closure of the store, a further $34,612 was paid against the debt. This left an outstanding balance on the loan of $25,388.
During discussion among Council members at the January 8 Council meeting, it was suggested that due to the presence of ReStore in the city for 3 years, much material was diverted from the landfill. Council unanimously agreed to write-off the balance on the loan as it believed the City experienced a saving of at least that amount by not having to expand its landfill area.
Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore Yorkton followed the model of dozens of successful ReStores across North America. For a number of reasons, the venture in Yorkton was not successful in meeting the financial goals of its parent branch in Regina – hence the decision to close.
The citizens of Yorkton need to know that while ReStore existed, it had a positive impact on the community and the environment. In terms of its contributions to the community, ReStore provided work experience to the young adults in the Yorkton Transitional Homes for Youth program and for the individuals at the Whitespruce Provincial Training Centre; and it provided work experiences, employment, and rental revenue for SaskAbilities and the people they support. And in terms of its contribution to the environment, what the city lost in cash, it made up for in savings on land fill expansion.
It is also important that the people of Yorkton and area understand that while ReStore did not succeed, Habitat for Humanity maintains a strong presence in the city. In fact, at the Jan 8 Council meeting, Council agreed to sell 4 more lots to Habitat that will provide housing for 4 families who will be paying taxes on these otherwise vacant lots.
Sincerely,
Members of the former Managing Committee of the Habitat for
Humanity ReStore
Juanita Polegi &
Doug Kitsch, Co-Chairs Tom Seeley
John Denysek
