A potential temporary emergency shelter location has been selected for downtown Saskatoon, located at 210 Pacific Ave. The shelter will have space for 30 to 40 beds and will need to be approved by city council. The site, formerly operated by the Saskatchewan Transportation Company and now owned by the city, will require some renovations to meet City Council-approved criteria. The criteria include having space for approximately 30 beds in an open shelter-type hall, some private rooms, an area for office space for site staff, showers, bathrooms, a kitchen, and internal and external gathering spaces on site. The shelter must also be at least 250 meters from an elementary school in the Saskatoon Public School or the Greater Saskatoon Catholic School systems.
The government of Saskatchewan has committed to investing up to $250,000 for renovations to the shelter, which will be run by The Mustard Seed. Information sessions regarding the shelter will be held on the 16th, and more details will be included in a report to council on the 25th. The shelter is intended to be temporary, but the city has stated that they will continue to search for a long-term solution to address the issue of homelessness in Saskatoon. The goal is to have the shelter open this winter, pending approval by city council.
The selection of a temporary emergency shelter location in downtown Saskatoon comes after months of debate and deliberation. The site at 210 Pacific Ave. is seen as suitable for a shelter with some renovations. The shelter is expected to provide essential services to individuals experiencing homelessness in the city, including a safe place to sleep, showers, bathrooms, and kitchen facilities. The shelter will also have internal and external gathering spaces, allowing for a sense of community among residents.
The investment of up to $250,000 by the government of Saskatchewan for renovations to the shelter demonstrates a commitment to addressing homelessness in Saskatoon. The funding will support the necessary upgrades to the facility to meet the City Council-approved criteria for emergency shelters. The Mustard Seed, a well-established organization with experience in providing shelter services, will be responsible for operating the shelter once it is up and running. The temporary nature of the shelter highlights the city’s ongoing efforts to find a more permanent solution to homelessness in Saskatoon.
Information sessions and a report to city council on the shelter are scheduled to provide more details on the facility and its operations. These sessions will offer an opportunity for community members to learn more about the shelter, ask questions, and provide feedback. The city’s commitment to transparency and community engagement in the process of establishing the emergency shelter underscores the importance of involving stakeholders in decision-making and addressing concerns. Overall, the selection of a temporary emergency shelter location in downtown Saskatoon represents a step forward in addressing the issue of homelessness in the city while recognizing the need for ongoing efforts to find lasting solutions.
