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Shelter Spaces

 210 Pacific Avenue approved as temporary enhanced emergency shelter

City Council approved 210 Pacific Avenue for a temporary 30 to 40 bed enhanced emergency residential shelter. The Government of Saskatchewan’s service provider, The Mustard Seed, is anticipated to open the temporary shelter in Winter 2024 – information on the opening and ongoing operations will come from the service provider. Read more here.

Government of Saskatchewan Emergency Shelter Spaces

Providing emergency shelters and related services is the responsibility of the Government of Saskatchewan.

In October 2023 the Government of Saskatchewan announced a Provincial Approach to Homelessness that included funding for 60 new permanent emergency shelter spaces in Saskatoon.

The Mustard Seed was selected by the Government of Saskatchewan to operate the new shelter. More information on The Mustard Seed organization can be found on their website: TheSeed.ca/saskatoon.

City of Saskatoon Site Identification Process

The Government of Saskatchewan asked and the City agreed to take the lead on selecting the site or sites for emergency shelters in our community. There is a crisis of homelessness, both with increasing numbers of people who are without homes as well as the risks that come with extreme temperatures. The City is responding to this sense of urgency by identifying emergency shelter sites.

The City’s primary role is to identify suitable locations for planned emergency shelter sites. The Province reviews proposed sites to ensure the building is suitable for a shelter. The following site selection criteria have been endorsed by City Council:

  • Room for approximately 30 beds each
  • Beds in an open shelter-type hall (with movable wall systems or partitions)
  • Some private rooms (accessed internally)
  • An area suitable for office space for site staff
  • Showers, bathrooms, kitchen
  • Internal and external gathering spaces (amenity spaces) available on site be considered
  • Proximity to other services should be considered
  • Zoned appropriately if possible, or applicable for designation under the City’s Emergency Residential Shelter zoning provision
  • On February 28, 2024 City Council also directed that any site be at least 250 metres from an elementary school in the Saskatoon Public School or Greater Saskatoon Catholic School system.

Selected Site: 210 Pacific Avenue (Temporary Location)

210 Pacific Avenue has been approved as the site for a temporary enhanced emergency shelter. With some renovation, it will be suitable for a shelter and meet most of the City Council-approved criteria.

Under the City of Saskatoon Zoning Bylaw, this is considered a temporary “Emergency Residential Shelter”, which is a temporary use, permitted at this location, to be operated for up to 18 months. City Council approved the duration of the operation for up to 18 months. 

This building is owned by the City of Saskatoon and will be leased to the Government of Saskatchewan for this purpose. City Council approved the lease and request for a below market value lease rate.

Safety & Security

The safety of shelter guests and area residents and businesses will be the most important priority for the City. The Saskatoon Fire Department and Saskatoon Police Service are collaborating with The Mustard Seed on an integrated operating plan around the site. 

Highlights of the integrated operating plan can be read here.

After hearing feedback from nearby residents, the City will be implementing changes to the site plan of the temporary shelter as detailed here. Measures include:

  • Fencing or screening to create a sense of space for those using the shelter, and delineation between the shelter and surrounding businesses. There will be no walk-in access off Pacific Avenue.
  • Facility access only from Ontario Avenue.
  • 7-day per week, extended hour security/support dedicated to the downtown with a proactive priority focus on the vicinity around the proposed shelter.

Next Steps

City Administration continues to work with the Government of Saskatchewan to identify a longer-term site, or sites, for enhanced emergency shelter spaces. Site options for a permanent location are undergoing the final stages of diligence processes and an update will be provided when available.

Common Questions (Updated September 26, 2024)

The information below is to help answer common questions.

Question

Answer

When will the proposed location for the emergency shelter site be presented to City Council?

A report was presented to City Council at its September 25, 2024 meeting. The report can be read here.

What is the City’s role?

How/why is City Administration involved?

In October 2023, the Government of Saskatchewan announced funding for 60 new enhanced emergency shelter spaces in Saskatoon. The City is making recommendations for suitable location(s) for the new enhanced emergency shelter spaces.

Because the City prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of the community – the City agreed to assist in finding appropriate locations for shelter spaces for the Government of Saskatchewan. 

The Mustard Seed was selected by the Government of Saskatchewan to operate the shelter(s). More information on The Mustard Seed organization can be found on their website: TheSeed.ca/saskatoon.

How much will this cost the City?

The Government of Saskatchewan is responsible for funding the operating costs of shelters.

The Government of Saskatchewan will pay all operating costs associated with the enhanced emergency shelter. However, to support the operation, City Council approved a request to lease the former Saskatchewan Transportation Company parcel service building at a below market rate. 

As part of the Provincial Approach to Homelessness, the Government of Saskatchewan has made a commitment to develop additional outreach supports to enhance safety and security around their shelter facilities including coordination with The Mustard Seed and community partners, along with extensive collaboration with the Saskatoon Police Service and Saskatoon Fire Department.

The City incurs in-kind costs associated with the Administrative time spent to identify the sites and obtain any required Council approvals. The City will continue to support the surrounding community with all typical City services.

How can I provide my feedback on the location for the temporary emergency shelter?

Two in-person Neighbourhood Information Sessions for area residents and businesses were held on September 16, 2024. Although this was not an opportunity to influence site selection, the sessions covered:

  • The need for shelters in Saskatoon to support homeless individuals and enhance community safety.
  • The role of the City of Saskatoon, Government of Saskatchewan and The Mustard Seed (TheSeed.ca/saskatoon) in overall planning, how the temporary site meets the site selection criteria and shelter operations.

Consideration of the required approvals by City Council were conducted according to normal procedures on September 25, 2024. 

If you would like to share feedback with the City, please email shelterspaces@saskatoon.ca. 

What is the plan to address potential increased safety concerns in the area created by the shelter?

Through the Provincial Approach to Homelessness, the Government of Saskatchewan is providing funding for additional outreach supports in collaboration with community partners, including the Saskatoon Police Service and Saskatoon Fire Department. These supports will further improve safety around emergency shelters and other areas impacted by homelessness, mental health and addictions issues.

The Saskatoon Fire Department and Saskatoon Police Service are collaborating with The Mustard Seed on an integrated operating plan around the site. Highlights of the integrated operating plan can be read here.

When will the temporary emergency shelter open/be completed?

The Government of Saskatchewan indicated their intent is to have this location open and operated by The Mustard Seed by Winter 2024. Information on the opening and ongoing operations will come from the service provider.

How do I report safety concerns regarding emergency shelters?

For non-urgent matters, call Saskatoon Police Service at 306-975-8300.

For safe needle pickup, call Saskatoon Fire Department 306-975-3030 for a crew to be sent (no lights and sirens) immediately to retrieve. Provide the location of the needle. 

If you see someone living in unsafe outdoor living conditions, call the City’s Service Saskatoon 24hr Customer Care Centre at 306-975-2476 and the appropriate response will be dispatched to the individual's location.

If there is an emergency that is posing a risk to life safety or property such as a fire, medical distress, violence call 911 immediately.

Will the Wellness Centre in Fairhaven still operate?

Yes. The Wellness Centre is operated by the Saskatoon Tribal Council and funded by the Government of Saskatchewan. They have recently made changes to the way the facility operates. More information can be found on their website: https://sktc.sk.ca/wellness/emergency-wellness-centre-ewc/ 

I have read or heard about other sites that have been selected on social media, is this true?

Social media or social apps are not an official or accurate source for this information. Continue to check back on this website for the latest information.
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