Saskatoon Winter Emergency Response Plan
Members of the Saskatoon Winter Emergency Response believe that ensuring all residents in Saskatoon have access to a safe location during extreme cold is the responsibility of all members. Working together we can provide a whole community approach to enhance options for those who are experiencing homelessness.
Operating under the Municipal Emergency Plan (MEP), the Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization (EMO) coordinates a Winter Emergency Response Plan for Saskatoon. This plan enables multiagency collaboration to ensure everyone has access to a safe location during the winter months.
Cold weather in Saskatoon is a routine occurrence. This response is intended for use during winter months. There is still risk for those who are experiencing homelessness. Member agencies work to provide options for those who are unhoused through regular operations of outreach services, emergency shelters and access to emergency social services. Homelessness is a complex issue that requires multi-sector planning with a client-centered and trauma-informed approach. This winter emergency response plan is one process in the overall community-wide approach required to deliver services, housing and programs.
Activation Levels
The winter response is activated from November 1 - March 31. When the winter response is activated, members establish a coordinated approach to providing services and support for residents, including:
- emergency overnight shelters
- warm-up locations
- outreach services such as wellness checks and connecting individuals to available resources
- cold weather essentials such as toques, mitts, jackets, and blankets
Warm-up Locations
Individuals and families can warm up at various locations across Saskatoon. Please download a copy of the warm-up location poster for full details.
Warm-Up Locations Poster: April 10
Emergency Shelters
Those seeking emergency shelter in Saskatoon can contact the regional Income Assistance Office either by phone or in person:
- Regional Income Assistance Office
160 2nd Ave South, Saskatoon
306-933-5960
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
The Salvation Army provides Emergency After Hours Support when the Ministry is closed. Anyone can call the Salvation Army for after hours services:
- Salvation Army (After Hours Support)
306-244-6280
Daily from 5:00 p.m.- 8:00 a.m. plus weekends and holidays.
Emergency shelter options explored will include any option of: staying with family and/or friends; a stay at one of the City’s emergency shelters; or, when no other resources are available, a hotel stay. Appropriate emergency shelter options are determined on a case-by-case basis.
Emergency shelter services are available 24/7 365 days per year. There is no change during a cold weather activation.
Members of the Extreme Cold Weather Strategy
- 211 Saskatchewan
- Canadian Mental Health Association
- City of Saskatoon
- Communications and Public Engagement
- Facilities Branch
- Human Resources – Occupational Health and Safety
- Recreation and Community Development
- Roadways, Fleet and Support
- Saskatoon Fire Department
- Community Risk Reduction
- Emergency Management Organization
- Fire Community Support
- Operations
- Saskatoon Transit
- CLASSIC – Community Legal Assistance Services for Saskatoon Inner City of Saskatoon
- Commissionaires
- EGADZ
- Environment and Climate Change Canada
- FASD Network SK
- Free the People
- Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools
- ICM
- John Howard Society of Saskatchewan
- Medavie Health Services West
- Métis Nation – Saskatchewan
- Prairie Harm Reduction
- Quint Development Corporation
- Sanctum Care Group
- Saskatchewan Health Authority
- City Hospital
- Health Emergency Management
- Medical Health Officers
- Population Health
- Royal University Hospital
- St. Paul’s Hospital
- Saskatoon Community Foundation
- Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Service
- Saskatoon Fire and Flood
- Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre
- Saskatoon Friendship Inn
- Saskatoon Indian and Métis Friendship Centre
- Saskatoon Open Door Society
- Saskatoon SAGE Clan
- Saskatoon Search and Rescue
- Saskatoon Trades and Skills Centre
- Sawēyihtotān Mobile Outreach
- St. Paul’s Hospital
- SWITCH - Student Wellness Initiative Toward Community Health
- The Bridge on 20th Street
- The Mustard Seed
- Westside Community Clinic
- YWCA Saskatoon