210 Pacific Avenue approved as temporary enhanced emergency shelter

City Council today 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.

City Council approved the duration of the shelter for a temporary operation for up to 18 months. Council also approved a request to lease the former Saskatchewan Transportation Company parcel service building at a below market rate. This is a permitted use under the City of Saskatoon Zoning Bylaw.

The property is owned by the City. With some renovation, it will be suitable for a shelter and meet most of the City Council-approved criteria:

• 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
• At least 250 metres from an elementary school in the Saskatoon Public School or Greater Saskatoon Catholic School system

The City led the site-selection process, and the Government of Saskatchewan is funding up to $250,000 for renovations. The Province will also provide all operational funding for shelter services.

Additionally, after hearing feedback from the nearby residents and businesses, the City will be implementing changes to the site plan for the provincial government-funded shelter including:

• 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.

A coordinated, integrated operating plan between the Saskatoon Police Service and the Saskatoon Fire Department will provide essential safety and security for the shelter and downtown area.

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