Saskatoon explores potential shelter sites after $40-million funding announcement

The search is on for two new homeless shelter sites in Saskatoon after a major funding announcement last week.

On Friday, the provincial government announced $40.2 million over two years to create up to 120 new, permanent emergency shelter spaces, 155 new supportive housing spaces, shelters for those with complex needs in Saskatoon and Regina, and nearly $20 million for community safety and outreach responses.

According to a report that will be presented to Saskatoon’s Governance and Priorities Committee, the province has requested that the city take “the lead role in identifying sites for emergency shelters.”

The report, written and approved by Fire Chief Morgan Hackl and City Manager Jeff Jorgenson, said two sites with room for around 30 people at each location would be needed.

Permanent locations would be ideal, but the report said temporary sites would also be considered.

So far, the report indicated, no locations have been identified, but a list is being compiled.

Some of the requirements for a shelter site include having room for around 30 beds in an open hall-like area with movable partitions, some private rooms, office areas, showers, bathrooms, a kitchen space and proximity to other services.

According to the report, if a selected site requires re-zoning, public information sessions will be held in accordance with the city’s normal re-zoning processes. If a site is chosen that is already properly zoned, a public information will still go ahead even though it’s not technically required.

The report noted that “representatives from the province will be asked to attend all information sessions to address any questions pertaining to the operation of the site.”

If approved, there could also be a city web page created to keep people living near the new shelters informed about the current status and next steps.

The province will be responsible to find a location for a medically supervised emergency shelter for those with complex needs – a term typically used to describe serious, ongoing issues with mental health and addictions.

The final decision on a shelter site will ultimately be up to the provincial government.