City of Saskatoon struggles to find emergency shelter sites

Finding one or two new emergency shelter sites in Saskatoon is proving to be a challenging task, and it doesn’t appear as though a list of potential locations will be released publicly in May, as originally anticipated.

That’s according to a new administration report that’s going before city councillors on May 29, 2024.

The report written by City Manager Jeff Jorgenson indicates that not only has the administration been looking for sites, but that realtors have also brought forward sites for consideration.

“Existing buildings have been the priority focus of the search, as they are able to be brought into service faster than a new-build scenario,”wrote Jorgenson.

Last fall, when the provincial government announced its $40.2-million homelessness plan, it included $14.1 million for 120 permanent emergency shelter spaces, with 60 of them slated for Saskatoon.

The first potential 30-bed shelter location that was identified – a former fire hall in the Sutherland neighbourhood – was not approved because of its proximity to a nearby elementary school.

At this point, there are two options on the table for consideration. However, there’s no guarantee there will be two emergency shelters in operation, and both the province and the city are also considering the option of a single, 60-bed facility.

“Both the Province and the Administration are supportive of this approach, provided a suitable site can be identified and the appropriate operating conditions are in place.”

Read more:

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• Sask. targets homelessness with $40M for public safety, more beds
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In conjunction with the consideration of the two potential sites, communications materials are being prepared with neighbourhood information sessions anticipated.

“The goal is to begin sharing this information as early as possible,” read Jorgenson’s report. Adding the information would come from the City of Saskatoon, the provincial government, and The Mustard Seed – the future service provider chosen.

Jorgenson said it will also report to council on a monthly basis on its progress until the site or sites are up and functioning.