Shelter Spaces
In Fall 2023 the Government of Saskatchewan announced a new plan and funding for homelessness and mental health supports. The plan outlines:
- several strategies to address the homelessness, mental health and addictions crisis in Saskatoon and other cities;
- more supports for mental health and addictions; and
- a three-pillar approach to addressing homelessness.
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:
- The Government of Saskatchewan will be the lead on the new 15-bed complex needs shelter space (see Notice - Emergency Residential Shelter - 1701 Idylwyld Drive N for more information).
- The Government of Saskatchewan has asked the City of Saskatoon to locate two sites for the new emergency shelter spaces with room for approximately 30 beds each.
As outlined in a report to the October 11 meeting of Governance and Priorities Committee of City Council, the Government of Saskatchewan will provide funding for all the real estate, rental and operating costs for the shelters. They will also select independent service providers to operate the shelters.
Safety & Security
As part of their program, the Government of Saskatchewan has made a commitment to develop additional outreach supports to enhance safety and security around shelter facilities (both the 15 complex needs and 60 emergency spaces). This includes coordination with the service provider(s) and community partners along with extensive collaboration with the Saskatoon Police Service and Saskatoon Fire Department. These vital supports will further improve safety around emergency shelters and other areas impacted by homelessness, mental health and addictions issues.
For the 15-bed complex needs shelter, the Government of Saskatchewan has indicated that appropriate planning will be in place to ensure individuals leaving the site are effectively linked to support services, while also strictly enforcing policies to prevent them from remaining on the grounds for the safety and security of all. The Government of Saskatchewan has described this facility as a health-based space with dedicated on-site medical personnel that provide another option to the current method of holding intoxicated individuals in police cells with limited medical assistance.
It is also important to note that the complex needs shelter is a smaller secure and medically supervised facility with space for up to 15 individuals at a time. It is not a place where individuals self-refer, so it is unlikely individuals will be congregating around the sites.
There are successful examples of facilities in Saskatoon that are similar in size to the sites being sought for the new complex needs and emergency shelters.
City of Saskatoon Assistance
Providing shelters for people experiencing homelessness and related services is primarily a responsibility of the Government of Saskatchewan.
The role of the City is going to look a little different: by working together, the Government of Saskatchewan and City can take immediate action to help address the needs of individuals and families experiencing homelessness in our city and neighbourhoods.
The criteria that will be used to determine the sites is 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 be considered
- Zoned appropriately if possible or applicable for consideration under the City’s Emergency Residential Shelter zoning provisions
The City’s role is limited: we will assist and work with the Government of Saskatchewan to find appropriate spaces for shelter beds run by other organizations. The City will continue to provide the usual community supports around the sites such as police and fire services.
The City prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of our community: the annual Civic Services Survey identifies homelessness as the most important issue facing the city and we are taking this opportunity to work with the Government of Saskatchewan to increase access to more shelter spaces in Saskatoon.
Next Steps
The City is working to identify possible sites for the two new emergency shelter spaces with room for approximately 30 beds each that meet the above criteria. Once the sites have been identified, Public Information Sessions will be held to provide details and answer questions. In the event a site is selected which requires rezoning, public meetings will be conducted in accordance with normal procedures for a rezoning, followed by a public hearing at City Council.
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 use up to 18 months. For more information: Notice - Emergency Residential Shelter - 1701 Idylwyld Drive N.
More information will be available in the upcoming weeks so please check back as this page will be updated regularly.
Common Questions (Updated November 23, 2023)
The information below is to help answer any additional questions you may have. The table will be updated with new details as the site selection progresses.
Question |
Answer |
Where are the proposed locations for the new shelters? |
The Government of Saskatchewan will be the lead on a new 15-bed complex needs shelter space (see Notice - Emergency Residential Shelter - 1701 Idylwyld Drive N for more information). They have asked the City to locate two sites for the new emergency shelter spaces with room for approximately 30 beds each. No locations have been selected for the two emergency shelter space sites at this time. The City is currently working to identify possible sites that meet the criteria at the request of the Government of Saskatchewan including proximity to other services and zoned for shelter/care home or applicable for Emergency Shelter zoning provision. |
When will the proposed locations for the emergency shelter spaces be presented to Council? |
In the event a site is selected which requires rezoning, public meetings will be conducted in accordance with normal procedures for a rezoning, followed by a public hearing at City Council. |
Does the City or Council make the final decisions for the new emergency shelter locations, or is it the Province? |
The City is making recommendations on two sites for the new emergency shelter spaces with room for approximately 30 beds each for the Government of Saskatchewan's program. |
How can I provide my feedback on proposed locations for new shelters? |
The City is not collecting feedback on potential sites for the two new emergency shelter spaces with room for approximately 30 beds each. Public Information Sessions will be held to provide details and answer questions. 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 use up to 18 months. For more information: Notice - Emergency Residential Shelter - 1701 Idylwyld Drive N. |
Will there be information sessions for the new emergency shelters? |
Yes. Public Information Sessions will be held to provide details and answer questions. More information will be available in the upcoming weeks. |
What is the plan to address potential increased safety concerns in the neighbourhood created by the shelters? |
The Government of Saskatchewan has made a commitment to develop additional outreach supports in collaboration with community partners, including the Saskatoon Police Service and Saskatoon Fire Department. These supports will further improve safety around emergency shelters and other areas impacted by homelessness, mental health and addictions issues. |
Will the process be completed before the winter season arrives? |
The Government of Saskatchewan indicated their intent is to have these shelter spaces open and operated by external providers in time for winter. |
Will the Wellness Centre in Fairhaven still operate? |
Yes. The Wellness Centre is operated by the Saskatoon Tribal Council. They have recently made changes to the way the facility operates. More information can be found on their website: https://sktc.sk.ca/wellness/emergency-wellness-centre-ewc/ |
How do I report safety concerns regarding emergency shelters? |
For non-urgent matters, call Saskatoon Police Service at 306-975-8300. For safe needle pickup, call Saskatoon Fire Department 306-975-3030 for a crew to be sent (no lights and sirens) immediately to retrieve. Provide the location of the needle. If you see someone living in unsafe outdoor living conditions, call the City’s Service Saskatoon 24hr Customer Care Centre at 306-975-2476 and the appropriate response will be dispatched to the individual's location. If there is an emergency that is posing a risk to life safety or property such as a fire, medical distress, violence call 911 immediately. |
I have read or heard about sites that have already been selected on social media, is this true? |
Social media or social apps are not an official or accurate source for this information. Continue to check back on this website for the latest information. |
News Releases
- Government of Saskatchewan News Releases
- City News Releases
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