Saskatoon credit union closure leaves some asking for more to be done in area

Affinity Credit Union said this week it will close its St. Mary’s location on 20th Street in Saskatoon next April.

The news has left many in that community surprised and asking questions why the credit union would do it.

A letter from Affinity Credit Union CEO Mark Lane said the decision was not made lightly, but noted that over the last year and a half, a series of incidents caused the organization to make a change.

“Over the past year and a half, our St. Mary’s Advice Centre has encountered a series of incidents that have given rise to significant safety concerns and operational challenges,” he wrote. “It is both regrettable and troubling that the escalating frequency and impact of these incidents is causing an increased threat to the safety and well-being of our employees, members and the public.”

The credit union had been in the St. Mary’s location since 1949.

Keith Jorgenson, who owns Nestor’s Bakery just down the road from the credit union, said he has noticed traffic pick up over the last couple years.

“There’s been a progressive increase in homelessness and addictions (in the area) over the last number of years,” Jorgenson said. “It has really been acute problems this summer.

“The analogy (I have) is like there’s been an engine light on for four or five years and something’s fallen off the car now. Hopefully it’s a wakeup call to government that a significant investment needs to be made in crime, addiction and mental health.”

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While Jorgenson admits there have been issues with homelessness in the area, he said he banks at the Affinity location that is closing down and doesn’t feel unsafe while completing his banking.

Jorgenson noted he has owned the bakery for 16 years and has tried to raise the issues he’s experiencing with both levels of government.

“I perceive the largest sort of threat to business in the downtown and the Riversdale area is homelessness and addictions,” he explained. “You see both downtown and Riversdale (with) rising vacancy rates because people are nervous about investing money in downtown and on 20th Street when they see what’s unfolding on the street.”

Jorgenson feels now is the time for both levels of government to step up and help solve the problems it’s facing.

“The time for significant action to invest money is now. This is money well spent,” he said. “It’s cheaper to pay to solve the problem rather than wait for the economic fallout of not addressing the problem.”

Affinity Credit Union didn’t immediately respond for comment when asked for more details about why it will be moving locations, but did say that Lane will be made available to the media to answer further questions.