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Shelter Spaces

 170 31st Street East selected for 60-bed enhanced emergency shelter 

Read the latest update: Site selected for 60-bed enhanced emergency shelter: 170, 31 St. E.

A Neighbourhood Information Session with presentations from the City, the Government of Saskatchewan and The Mustard Seed was held for area residents on September 15, 2025. Watch the meeting recording here.

Government of Saskatchewan Emergency Shelter Spaces

The Government of Saskatchewan provides funding and oversight for provincially operated emergency shelters. The Ministry of Social Services supports vulnerable people in need of shelter by connecting them with community organizations that offer emergency shelter spaces and supports.

In October 2023 the Government of Saskatchewan announced a Provincial Approach to Homelessness that included funding for an additional 60 new enhanced 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.

The 2024 Point-in-Time Homeless Count revealed that Saskatoon is experiencing the highest number of individuals facing homelessness ever recorded: 1,499 people are experiencing homelessness, nearly triple the number recorded in 2022. The City responded to the urgency by identifying emergency shelter sites for the Government of Saskatchewan.

The City’s primary role was to identify suitable locations using the following site selection criteria approved 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: 170 31st Street East

170 31st Street East is the site selected for the 60-bed enhanced emergency shelter. The lot, located within the Central Industrial Area, is owned by the Government of Saskatchewan which will be developing a suitable shelter building designed to meet the City Council-approved criteria. Community safety will be considered in all aspects of the design and construction of the shelter.

The site, which is currently in use for Saskatchewan Polytechnic parking, is zoned as M3, General Institutional Service District, with a Special Care Home as a permitted use. The site is fully serviced and zoned for this type of development; rezoning or approval by City Council is not required.

Enhanced Emergency Shelters

Enhanced emergency shelters operate 24 hours per day, seven days per week, providing clients with full access to shelter, three meals per day, case planning along with access to wrap-around supports to address wellness and cultural needs and assistance in connecting to services and help to transition to appropriate housing.

Neighbourhood Information Session

A Neighbourhood Information Session with presentations from the City, the Government of Saskatchewan and The Mustard Seed was held for area residents on September 15, 2025. Watch the meeting recording here.

Safety & Security

The safety of shelter guests and area residents and businesses will be the most important priority for the City. 

In preparation for the new shelter, the City, Saskatoon Fire Department and Saskatoon Police Service will be collaborating with the Government of Saskatchewan, their service provider, The Mustard Seed, and Saskatchewan Polytechnic on an integrated operating plan around the site. 

The integrated operating plan will consider many of the same elements as the existing plan for the temporary shelter (210 Pacific Avenue) read here, which is continually reviewed to address any concerns in the shelter area.

The Government of Saskatchewan will consider community safety in all aspects of the design and construction of the shelter, and incorporate feedback from nearby residents, businesses and organizations.

Next Steps

Feedback from the information sessions will be considered during the design of the shelter. The project to build a new enhanced emergency shelter is just beginning and timelines will be determined by the Government of Saskatchewan.
 

Common Questions (Updated September 2025)

The information below is to help answer common questions.

QuestionAnswer

When will the proposed location for the emergency shelter site be presented to City Council?

What decisions are City Council making?

170 31st Street East is zoned as M3, General Institutional Service District, with a Special Care Home as a permitted use. The site is fully serviced and zoned for this type of development; rezoning or approval by City Council is not required.

Subject to Council approval, the City will provide the following contributions to prepare the site: Sidewalk construction from Idylwyld Drive along 31st Street East to provide a clear sidewalk connection to the site (estimated cost $350,000); and installing fencing along the CPKC Rail Line to the east of the site to inhibit access to and traveling along the railway corridor (estimated cost: $50,000).

City Council is not responsible for choosing a service provider or decisions regarding the ongoing operations of the shelter.

What is the City’s role?

How/why is City Administration involved?

In October 2023, the Government of Saskatchewan announced funding for 60 new enhanced emergency shelter spaces in Saskatoon. The City is making recommendations for suitable location(s) for the new enhanced emergency shelter spaces.

Because the City prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of the community – the City agreed to assist in finding appropriate locations for shelter spaces for the Government of Saskatchewan.

The Mustard Seed was selected by the Government of Saskatchewan to operate the shelter(s). More information on The Mustard Seed organization can be found on their website: TheSeed.ca/saskatoon.

How much will this cost the City?

The Government of Saskatchewan is responsible for funding the operating costs of shelters.

The Government of Saskatchewan will pay all operating costs associated with the enhanced emergency shelter.

Subject to Council approval, the City will provide the following contributions to prepare the site: Sidewalk construction from Idylwyld Drive along 31st Street to provide a clear sidewalk connection to the site (estimated cost $350,000); and installing fencing along the CPKC Rail Line to the east of the site to inhibit access to and traveling along the railway corridor (estimated cost: $50,000).

As part of the Provincial Approach to Homelessness, the Government of Saskatchewan has developed additional outreach supports to enhance safety and security around their shelter facilities including coordination with The Mustard Seed and community partners, along with extensive collaboration with the Saskatoon Police Service and Saskatoon Fire Department.

The City will also incur in-kind costs associated with the Administrative time spent identifying the sites. The City will continue to support the surrounding community with all typical City services.

How can I provide my feedback on the location for the enhanced emergency shelter?

If you have feedback to share, please email:

The City of Saskatoon – site selection, safety & security
shelterspaces@saskatoon.ca

The Mustard Seed – shelter operations
InfoSaskatoon@theseed.ca

Will there be information sessions for the new enhanced emergency shelter so that I can learn more?A Neighbourhood Information Session with presentations from the City, the Government of Saskatchewan and The Mustard Seed was held for area residents on September 15, 2025. Watch the meeting recording here for answers to many of your questions.
What is the plan to address potential increased safety concerns in the area created by the shelter?Through the Provincial Approach to Homelessness, the Government of Saskatchewan provided funding for additional street outreach and community safety responses that work 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.
How will the Saskatoon Police Service and Saskatoon Fire Department work to keep our area safe?The safety of shelter guests and area residents and businesses will be the most important priority for the City. In preparation for the new shelter, the City, Saskatoon Fire Department and Saskatoon Police Service will be collaborating with the Government of Saskatchewan, their service provider, The Mustard Seed, and Saskatchewan Polytechnic on an integrated operating plan around the site, similar to the plan for the temporary shelter (210 Pacific Avenue) read here.
How will this shelter impact Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre when the facility re-opens?Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre will re-open as planned and safety at and around the facility will be a key consideration in the development of the integrated operating plan. We will work together with the facility so customers and user groups remain safe.
How will this shelter impact Saskatchewan Polytechnic?Saskatchewan Polytechnic officials have been part of ongoing planning to consider the needs and safety of students and staff. A special meeting was held for students and staff on September 12, 2025 to provide information and answer questions including impacts to their parking lot.
Is this shelter location too close to elementary schools?The requirement is for the new shelter to be at least 250 metres from an elementary school in the Saskatoon Public School or Greater Saskatoon Catholic School system. The site is 295 metres from Caswell Community School and 355 metres from St. Michael Community School and meets the criteria.
When will the enhanced emergency shelter open/be completed?

The Government of Saskatchewan indicated their intent is to have this location operated by The Mustard Seed.

The project to build a new enhanced emergency shelter is just beginning and timelines will be determined by the Government of Saskatchewan.

How do I report safety concerns regarding emergency shelters?

It is important to report safety concerns when you see them. The data helps the Saskatoon Police Service and Saskatoon Fire Department respond to your concerns and adjust plans to address future concerns before they can begin. Here are the important numbers to call:

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. 

For encampments and 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. The Saskatoon Fire Department works with other community organizations and supports to help individuals in need.

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.

Will the temporary downtown shelter remain open?The temporary shelter opened in April 2025 and was approved for an 18-month period (September 2026).
Will the Wellness Centre in Fairhaven still operate?Yes. The Wellness Centre is operated by the Saskatoon Tribal Council and funded by the Government of Saskatchewan. More information can be found on their website: https://sktc.sk.ca/wellness/emergency-wellness-centre-ewc/ 
Beyond this shelter, what is the larger plan to address homelessness?The Government of Saskatchewan provides funding and oversight to address homelessness. More information on funding and supports can be found on Provincial Approach to Homelessness. The Government of Saskatchewan also provided more information at the Neighbourhood Information Session.
What is the City doing to support vulnerable people in Saskatoon?Visit saskatoon.ca/communitysupports for more information on the various supports and services that the City provides including the Saskatoon Winter and Extreme Heat Emergency Response Plans, Affordable Housing Strategy, Fire Community Support Team, Overdose Outreach Team and more.
Will the City compensate residents and businesses in the shelter area?The City does not provide compensation for factors such as proximity to an emergency shelter or any other business type.
I have read or heard about other sites that have 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.
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