The provincial government has undertaken a review of Moose Jaw's Valley View Centre.

Originally slated to be shuttered in 2016, then pushed back to March 31, 2018, on Friday (June 23) it was announced the centre for those with mental disabilities would close in December of 2019.

Bob Martinook, Executive Director of Community Living Service Delivery, says the review will take about five years to complete. 

"After the last person leaves (in 2019) we'll still have two or three more years in terms of an evaluative process to follow up and ensure that the transitions have been successful," said Martinook, adding "while we're getting that information we're making adjustments to the process and improving things as we go along."

"There are some preliminary interviews with individuals who have transitioned out (of Valley View Centre)," he continued. "They include familes, individuals and stakeholders.  This is a continual improvement process."

As for employees, Martinook said they are budgeted for slightly over 200 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) positions. "Our number one consideration is having successful transitions for people," said Martinook, who added they have the "right staffing complement" and are "constantly adjusting their staffing models to meet the needs of the residents."  

The government says a number of factors, including construction delays for new community homes for transitioned Valley View residents behind the decision. He said they committed to adhering to the wishes of residents and their families when it comes to where they would like to live once out of Valley View. 

To date, 52 residents have been transitioned out of Valley View Centre and into community-based homes around the province, while 109 residents still remain at the facility.

The government provided the following transition information:

Information courtesy: Government of Saskatchewan