Saskatoon EMO presents Winter Navigation & Warming Centres proposal

Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization (EMO), in partnership with community organizations, is seeking funding from City Council to support the operation of Winter Navigation and Warming Centres for this winter. 

The plan, which seeks to address the safety and well-being of residents experiencing homelessness during winter months, will be presented at the Regular Business Meeting of City Council on November 27, 2024. 

The report, which will be on the Public Agenda at 4:00 p.m., outlines a collaborative effort between numerous community partners and identifies the locations and funding sources that will be available this winter to support the establishment of Winter Navigation and Warming Centres, including:

• Evening warming centre operated by The Saskatoon Indian and Métis Friendship Centre located on Wall Street
• Overnight warming location for women operated by the Saskatoon Indian and Métis Friendship Centre located on Wall Street
• Overnight warming location for men at St. Mary’s Parish on 20th Street operated by the Salvation Army
• Overnight outreach services operated by Sawēyihtotān

The total funding requirement to operate the centres and outreach until March 31, 2025 is estimated to be $1.2 million. The funding is to be used for all necessary staffing, operations and utilities to run the centres and outreach throughout the winter:

• Staffing at each site, including site security, emergency medical responders and operations staff
• Additional contracts for janitorial and facility maintenance services
• Program supplies
• Administrative costs
• Rent, heat, electricity, water and potential repairs at each facility

Extensive efforts have been made to secure funding to support these essential services which includes financial contributions from the Provincial, Indigenous and Federal Governments as well as community foundations and private donations all totaling $1 million. An investment of $200,000 from the City’s Reserve for Capital Expenditures is being recommended to help fill the funding gap and to bring the total to $1.2 million. 

In related work, Administration is actively developing a new Saskatoon Homelessness Action Plan along with community partners. With a comprehensive approach, the aim is to develop a more robust year-round plan that is supported by substantial and stable funding from both the Federal and Provincial governments. The goal is to create a long-term funding model to alleviate the annual search for funding and locations.