Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization combats extreme weather
On June 7, 2023, Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization (EMO) will present two reports related to Saskatoon’s Extreme Weather Emergency Response Plans to the Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services.
As summer temperatures approach, EMO and community partners explore options to increase water accessibility in Saskatoon and mitigate the risks of extreme heat.
“Extreme heat is a risk our community faces in the summer months, which makes access to water important. Water access in Saskatoon is available through a variety of City of Saskatoon facilities and services and community agencies,” explains Pamela Goulden-McLeod, Director of Emergency Management Organization. “There are multiple ways to access water across Saskatoon. This includes, water fountains, water bottle filling stations, distribution of re-usable water bottles, disposable water bottles through emergency services, outreach teams and site-based community services.”
EMO’s report to committee highlights two new additions to the Extreme Hot Weather Emergency Response Plan: a 24-hour water bottle filling station and misting tents. EMO partnered with the Westside Community Clinic to install a water bottle filling station that will be available 24 hours a day throughout the summer. Additionally, three misting tents will be available through EMO for event organizers to use at summer events.
As preparation ramps up for the extreme heat response, EMO simultaneously reviews the Extreme Cold Weather Emergency Response Plan. During the winter of 2022-2023, EMO activated the Extreme Cold Weather Emergency Response Plan six times for a total of 27 days. The plan was executed with the assistance of over 30 community partners who formed four task force groups: Outreach Services, Emergency Shelter Services, Warm-up Services and a General Task Force.
“Our community is made up of many dedicated partners and organizations who work tirelessly together on the frontlines to provide shelter and outreach services to those who are experiencing homelessness” says Goulden-McLeod. “This past winter the city experienced a significant increase in the number of individuals accessing warming locations or emergency shelter, which put a huge strain on partners’ resources and required an increased need for a coordinated and collaborative approach.”
EMO’s report to committee outlines the year-end review corrective actions for the 2023-2024 season, which includes Community partners identifying that the underlying strain on resources during extreme cold weather related to the need for 100 barrier-free complex beds throughout Saskatoon as part of the continuum of housing needs.