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.

News Releases

• Government of Saskatchewan News Releases
  • October 6, 2023: Government Announces New Provincial Approach to Homelessness

• City News Releases
  • October 10, 2023: Province asks City to help locate compatible community shelter spaces

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