Wellbeing, employment program promotes urban maintenance & neighbourhood revitalization

An employment program designed to make community safety and well-being improvements is underway in Saskatoon. 

To acknowledge the launch of the Saskatoon Wellbeing Employment Enterprise Program (SWEEP) and in preparation for Red Dress Day on May 5, a smudging ceremony had taken place this morning to coincide with the cleaning and maintenance of the Red Star Dancer monument located outside the Saskatoon Police Service headquarters.

The monument, known as "Wicanhi Duta Win” (Red Star Woman), is a sculpture that honours missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. To go about the cleaning of the monument in a good way, an all-female SWEEP team had tasked with the cleaning.

SWEEP is a collaborative initiative between the City and Quint Development Corporation (Quint), funded by Public Safety Canada’s Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF). The program goal intends to enhance community safety and well-being through the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). By focusing on environmental improvements, SWEEP aims to reduce crime and foster a sense of security within neighbourhoods. The pilot program will run until March 2026.

“SWEEP is a testament to the City's commitment to fostering an inclusive and safe community. By collaborating with the community, we can support residents by creating jobs that might not otherwise exist due to barriers and past experiences. This allows us to build a stronger and safer Saskatoon while also enhancing community safety and well-being,” says Tenille Thomson, Community Development Manager. “The cleaning of the Red Star Dancer monument is just one example of the great work performed by SWEEP's crews and represents the many successes that have emerged out of this program."

The program, operated by Quint, provides employment opportunities for community members who are leaving a correctional life or who may face significant barriers to workforce entry. Individuals have a chance to rebuild their lives through stable employment, which is complemented by comprehensive support services. SWEEP crew members receive life-skills training and wraparound support, including assistance with housing, family reconnection and navigating parole. This holistic approach ensures that participants are well-equipped to reintegrate into society and contribute positively to their communities.

“SWEEP is a unique social enterprise that addresses unjust social and economic barriers and embodies our organization's mission. The program stacks positive outcomes, both revitalizing our neighbourhoods and empowering participants to transform their lives. In less than a year, we have already seen the remarkable impact SWEEP has had not only on our participants but also the community at large,” says Kristen Thoms, Executive Director, Quint Development Corp.

SWEEP’s services are dedicated to tasks that improve overall public safety, cleanliness and community wellbeing. Examples of work performed by SWEEP crews include:

• Trash removal and diversion
• Graffiti maintenance
• Biological waste removal
• Additional supports to City operations

Those who are interested in hiring a SWEEP crew can do so by contacting Quint at info@quintsaskatoon.ca.

For additional information about SWEEP, visit: quintsaskatoon.ca/sweep.