"I am truly sorry for the comments I made and I apologize for the hurt I have caused residents of this city. I would appreciate the forgiveness of those that have I offended."

"Certain statements were made by councillors during the Regular Council meeting on Monday that we feel do not properly reflect our values." - written statement from Weyburn City Council

In a written statement released late Wednesday, Weyburn City Councillor Brad Wheeler issued an apology for his comments made in Weyburn City Council Monday during the discussion of the discretionary use application for a care home residence in The Creeks. During the meeting, Wheeler spoke on behalf of residents of The Creeks who were opposed to the plan.

"I know it's not politically correct to say there's a stigma attached to them but there is, you have to be honest with yourself," Wheeler said during the meeting Monday. "I feel bad that that's the case but these people have invested a lot of money into their dream homes, into their retirement homes, and to have the provincial government come in and to pick a lot directly across from them I don't think that was the best choice."

The comments ignited a firestorm of comments on social media, criticizing the decision by council to reject the application, as well as denouncing the comments made by Wheeler. 

"As an elected representative for this community, I failed miserably at relaying a message on behalf of the residents of the Creeks and for that I apologize to my neighbours," Wheeler said in his statement Wednesday.

The apology came shortly after a statement was issued by Weyburn City Council on the matter Wednesday afternoon.

Weyburn Mayor Marcel Roy speaks to the media Wednesday afternoon at Weyburn City Hall. (photo by Marna McManus)In the statement, the councillors wrote: "Certain statements were made by councillors during the Regular Council meeting on Monday that we feel do not properly reflect our values."

"As a Council, we strive to be an inclusive community and providing accessible housing in our community is an important priority. We look forward to working with the Weyburn Group Home Society and Saskatchewan Housing Corporation," the statement from the council concluded.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read More:

Council Rejects Care Home Application in the Creeks

Weyburn Reacts To Council Decision

Creeks Developers Disappointed with Council's Care Home Decision

Updated - WGHS: We Were Surprised By Council, Neighbourhood Pushback