Lloydminster & Vermilion for Equity (LVE) has announced a revised proposal for its planned Nitôtêm (say Knee-Toh-Tem) Resource Centre, which the organization says will provide daytime supports and services for individuals experiencing housing insecurity.
LVE Co-Founder and President Tigra-Lee Campbell said the project is intended to promote equity, inclusion and cultural safety within the community while helping residents access the supports they need.
“The Nitôtêm Resource Centre will provide accessible supports, programming, and safe spaces for individuals experiencing housing insecurity, particularly those from Indigenous and equity-deserving backgrounds,” Campbell said in a statement. “The word Nitôtêm means “Our friend in Cree.”
The centre is envisioned as a low-barrier daytime resource hub offering culturally relevant services while strengthening collaboration among local organizations. LVE says the goal is to help reduce poverty and homelessness by connecting individuals with supports, training opportunities and employment resources.
As part of the revised plan, the organization confirmed it will no longer pursue transitional housing through the Nitôtêm Resource Centre at this time.
LVE emphasized the facility will not operate as an overnight shelter and will not provide supervised consumption services. Instead, it will function as a daytime support centre.
Services planned for the facility include a drop-in space, showers, laundry facilities, lockers, low-cost or free counselling, peer support, life skills training, employment readiness training and culturally sensitive supports.
The organization says it is currently in the process of purchasing a building for the centre and will continue consulting with downtown businesses, community members and city partners as the project moves forward.
LVE says feedback from those conversations will help shape how the facility operates and ensure the needs of surrounding businesses and residents are considered.
The Nitôtêm Resource Centre is expected to be operational by the winter of 2026.
Lloydminster & Vermilion for Equity currently provides outreach, referrals, transportation assistance, a community garden and greenhouse, knowledge sharing opportunities and support services for vulnerable residents in the region.
