Encampments

Encampments are removed because they can create significant health, safety and access risks. The City’s goal is to support the safety and well-being of people staying at the site, neighbouring residents and businesses, and the broader community.

Encampments that remain in place may grow over time and increase risks such as:

• People or belongings blocking emergency exits at neighbouring buildings
• Accumulated human waste, garbage and discarded needles
• Rainwater causing contaminated waste to pool near neighbouring buildings
• Unattended or uncontrolled fires
• Increased drug use and overdose-related calls
• Reported gang activity
• Reported concerns about the exploitation or trafficking of women
   

When an encampment is confirmed Fire bylaw inspectors assess the site to determine the appropriate response and level of priority.

Priority is determined based on the following criteria:

• High
  • Indication of a safety concern
  • Greater than 10 people with structures/tents
  • Near public spaces with high traffic or school/playground
  • Hard structure including building construction
• Medium
  • Between 2-10 people with structures/tents
  • Visible encampment location
  • Excessive debris
• Low
  • 1 person with a structure/tent
  • Vacant site with excessive debris
• When available
  • Vacant site with minor debris
     

Before an encampment is removed, Fire bylaw inspectors and community partners work with the unhoused individuals to connect them with supports such as access to shelter, housing, food providers, transportation and medical care. Individuals are granted a period of time to gather their belongings and vacate the encampment.

If the encampment is still active at the time the clean-up is scheduled, outreach is offered again by Fire bylaw inspectors, Indigenous Support teams or other community partners before the clean-up begins. 

Once an encampment is confirmed to be inactive, the site is cleaned to remove abandoned structures, unattended belongings and garbage.

Fire bylaw inspectors confirm when the cleanup is complete or determine next steps if the site has not been cleaned up.
 

No. The Saskatoon Police Service does not ticket people simply because they are experiencing homelessness.

To protect the safety of residents and the community, the Saskatoon Police Service enforces the Safe Public Spaces (Street Weapons) Act and the Trespass to Property Act, T-20.2.

When an encampment is located on private property, Saskatoon Police Service works with the property owner or authorized representative. Under The Trespass to Property Act, the owner’s permission or direction is required to address trespassing concerns.

No. Saskatoon Fire Department does not fine individuals simply because they are experiencing homelessness. SFD’s role is focused on identifying and addressing fire and life-safety risks, conducting inspections, coordinating high-risk or complex site responses, and supporting connections to outreach services.