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Community space in the former cafeteria in Jim Smith Building now open

Tuesday, 19 March 2024 12:03

By Panebi Wilson X @panebiwilson

Community Warming Centre design from facebook

The community space situated on the ground floor of the Jim Smith Building, which is located at 2071 2nd Avenue in Whitehorse, will be open starting Monday, March 18th and will continue to welcome visitors for the next six and a half weeks

The Jim Smith Building now plays host to new community space in the former cafeteria.

In line with the Downtown Whitehorse Safety Response Plan, effective Monday, the former cafeteria will be extending a welcoming space Yukoners and will be providing access to crucial support services.

In a released statement from Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee, she said this pilot project builds on the previous use of the space as a public cafeteria by various organizations, including Opportunities Yukon, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Society Yukon and government departments like Health and Social Services and Justice, along with their clients.

The community space situated on the ground floor of the Jim Smith Building, which is located at 2071 2nd Avenue in Whitehorse, will be open starting Monday, March 18th and will continue to welcome visitors for the next six and a half weeks, coinciding with the closure of the Whitehorse Library is. It will be open to visitors from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

According to Minister McPhee, the community space is intended to provide a welcoming environment for all members of the public as well as a meeting spot for those accessing government support such as legal aid and social services. 

Inside the community space, Yukoners will have free access to computers, WiFi, snacks, hot beverages and water as well as washroom facilities, period products, naloxone kits and free bus passes. 

There will be tables and chairs for those wishing to work, study, play cards or games, have a snack, or come in from the cold and visitors will be served by two onsite workers at all times, and one part-time library outreach worker. These workers will help connect vulnerable individuals to other support and services as needed.

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