A long time advocate for treatment and addictions is asking serious questions about plans to develop a $40 million dollar homeless shelter in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Simeon Tshakapesh wonders if the facility will address the issue related to people traveling to Goose Bay from the coast and living and drinking on trails in the woods surrounding the community.

Tshakapesh has had family members who have died for want of adequate shelter, and his own son made use of shelters, only to continue drinking, knowing he had a place to stay at the end of the night.

Tshakapesh says he’d like to see more public consultation on the matter and questions whether the $40 million dollars might be better spent on programs in communities like Natuashish to help those living with addiction.

What’s the safe house going to do for an addict? Tshakapesh asks. He says it simply provides a bed to sleep in and a place to wash up and the addict goes right back out on the street to start drinking again.)

Tshakapesh has written the Chiefs and Grand Chiefs of the Innu Nation board councils questioning the process and asking for greater public consultation.