Shelter Spaces
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Since October 2023, City Administration has been actively working with the Government of Saskatchewan to identify locations for temporary and permanent emergency shelters. Administration will continue to work with the Government of Saskatchewan to identify a site or sites for Enhanced Emergency Shelters. Two sites are undergoing due diligence processes. Read the latest report to City Council (May 29, 2024) 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 emergency shelter spaces in two locations in Saskatoon.
The Government of Saskatchewan is investing in new funding over the next two years to create 15 new complex needs shelter spaces and 60 new emergency shelter spaces in Saskatoon.
The Government of Saskatchewan is responsible for funding the real estate, lease (or equivalent) and operating costs. They have identified that The Mustard Seed will be the chosen independent service provider to operate their shelters. More information on The Mustard Seed organization can be found on their website: theseed.ca/saskatoon.
Site Identification Criteria
Late last year, the Government of Saskatchewan requested the City take the lead role in identifying sites for emergency shelters. The criteria the City developed to search for sites were as follows:
- 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 consideration under the City’s Emergency Residential Shelter zoning provisions
After hearing community concerns, City Council added one additional criterion as follows:
- At least 250 metres from an elementary school in the Saskatoon Public School or Greater Saskatoon Catholic School system.
Government of Saskatchewan Complex Needs Shelter
On November 22, 2023, City Council approved an application from the Government of Saskatchewan for an Emergency Residential Shelter, for up to 15 individuals with complex needs, at 1701 Idylwyld Drive North. An Emergency Residential Shelter is permitted at this location under the Zoning Bylaw. However, City Council approval was required for the length of operation for a temporary operation up to 18 months. For more information: Notice - Emergency Residential Shelter - 1701 Idylwyld Drive N.
What is a Complex Needs Emergency Shelter?
Complex needs emergency shelters are the responsibility of the Government of Saskatchewan. Complex needs emergency shelters provide a secure environment and medically supervised place where police may bring an individual who is intoxicated and exhibiting behaviours that present a danger to themselves or a danger or disturbance to the public. Each complex needs emergency shelter will provide up to 15 individuals in crisis with a safe place to stabilize while being monitored by health care professionals for up to 24 hours for the negative effects of drugs or alcohol. These individuals will also be connected to services such as addictions supports, housing and income assistance supports.
The ministries of Health and Corrections, Policing and Public Safety will contract with third-party service providers to deliver the health operations and security of these facilities. This will include nurses and support staff with experience in detox and withdrawal management, and security services to ensure patient and staff safety, and that individuals remain safely inside the facility. This includes trained personnel with the ability to appropriately manage individuals experiencing a high level of distress to ensure patient and staff safety.
News Releases
- Government of Saskatchewan News Releases
- City News Releases
- May 29, 2024: Council funds staffed washrooms for Riversdale, Pleasant Hill & riverbank locations; more access to drinking water
- February 28, 2024: City Council sets school distance limits for emergency shelter locations
- February 16, 2024: Neighbourhood Information Sessions for proposed Emergency Residential Shelter on Central Avenue rescheduled
- February 9, 2024: Neighbourhood Information Sessions for proposed Emergency Residential Shelter on Central Avenue postponed
- January 18, 2024: Former fire station identified as first site for new Government of Saskatchewan Emergency Shelter
- October 10, 2023: Province asks City to help locate compatible community shelter spaces
Council & Committee Reports
- May 29, 2024 | City Council Meeting: Update on Shelter Approach and Next Steps
- October 11, 2023 | Governance and Priorities Committee Meeting: Proposed Roles and Next Steps for the City of Saskatoon Regarding Shelters for People Experiencing Homelessness
- November 22, 2023 | City Council Meeting: Provincial Approach to Homelessness - Application for Emergency Residential Shelter – 1701 Idylwyld Drive North