Shelter Spaces

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 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 and safety plan around the site. 

Highlights of the integrated operating and safety plan can be read here.

After hearing feedback from nearby residents, the City implemented 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 for shelter guests will only be from Ontario Avenue.
• Fencing will feature artwork, created by local Indigenous artists and youth, to connect the shelter to the community and add vibrancy to the neighbourhood. This will include a series of original hand painted banners depicting Indigenous stories by local artists, Josh Wāpiskisiw and Honey Constant-Inglis, and a group of young multi-cultural artists from W.P. Bate School. Indigenous storytelling during the winter season is a cherished Indigenous tradition for passing on knowledge from generation to generation, sharing culture, history, teachings, spirituality and language. Interpretive plaques will be placed onsite to explain the stories.
• 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 - Permanent Site

City Administration, in collaboration with the Government of Saskatchewan, is in the final stages of identifying a permanent site for the enhanced emergency shelter. An update will be provided when available.