Shelter Spaces
Proposed emergency shelter on Central Avenue will not proceed
On February 28, 2024, City Council endorsed a motion to expand the site selection criteria for shelter spaces to be at least 250 metres from an elementary school (Public or Catholic).
This means the proposed location for the emergency shelter in former Fire Station #5 on Central Avenue will not proceed. As a result, all neighbourhood information sessions scheduled for Sutherland area residents and businesses will be cancelled and the Administration will seek alternate sites that meet the new criteria.
The City will continue to support the Government of Saskatchewan in its Provincial Approach to Homelessness through identifying sites for two new locations, each having approximately 30 shelter beds.
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 as follows:
- two locations for new emergency shelter spaces with room for up to approximately 30 beds each.
- a new 15-bed complex needs shelter space (see Notice – Emergency Residential Shelter – 1701 Idylwyld Drive N for more information). This shelter was previously announced and prioritized for opening at 1701 Idylwyld Drive.
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: The process to date
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
Based on the above selection criteria, former Fire Station #5 on Central Avenue had been identified as a site for one of the emergency shelter locations.
What’s changed?
After hearing community concerns, City Council has directed the Administration use the previously approved criteria and 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.
As a result, all neighbourhood information sessions scheduled for Sutherland area residents and businesses will be cancelled and the Administration will seek alternate sites that meet the new criteria.
More information will provided on next steps as they are available.
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
- 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
- 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