Jordan houseOpening and operating a licensed group living home isn’t as easy as posting a “sold” sign on the lawn and opening the door. It takes weeks to have each property prepared for the youth who call it home.

The Ranch Ehrlo works around the clock to ensure each group home is well-maintained, meeting code requirements set out by legislation and regulation.

There are 27 licensed Ranch Ehrlo group homes in Regina and Pilot Butte, with additional licensed properties operated by the Ranch at Corman Park (Saskatoon) and Buckland (Prince Albert) campuses. All group homes operated by Ranch Ehrlo Society housing three or more youth must be licensed to ensure the highest level of health and safety for the residents.

“The inspections do take a long time but they’re incredibly important,” said Nicole Bonner, facilities coordinator for Ranch Ehrlo Society.  “Lots of people don’t seem to realize what it takes to have a home licensed.”

A fire inspection, health inspection, building inspection, and inspection by Social Services must be conducted before a property can be deemed a licensed group home.

Fire Inspection include


  • fire extinguishers and fire panels are checked

  • smoke detector test logs are available and up-to-date

  • emergency lighting is in working condition

  • two points of egress are accessible and fire escape plans are clearly posted on each level of the house


All details must meet provincial fire code regulations.

Health Inspection include


  • food storage and fridge temperatures

  • the general cleanliness of the house; and the condition of the walls (holes, moisture)

  • mattresses and couch cushions are inspected for bed bugs

  • water quality may also be examined at rural properties


Recommendations are passed on to Ranch staff, and surprise visits may follow to ensure recommendations have been implemented.

Building Inspection


  • Building inspections are only required for new group homes. The building inspection report is to confirm that a home is habitable for youth.



Social Services Inspection

  • A representative from Social Services will complete a walk-through of each house with the Ranch Ehrlo facilities coordinator. Social Services will confirm the accuracy of the fire, health and building inspection reports, and will also evaluate additional items such as double-locked medication cabinets/drawers and the atmosphere of the house.


Once all inspections are completed and standards are satisfied, final reports are submitted to the Social Services’ central office where licenses are granted thereafter.

“ Licenses are valid for one year,” explained Bonner. “Each spring the process starts all over again.”