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Downtown Saskatoon has a new face on a familiar land mark — the former Lighthouse building on Second Avenue South.
Since Dec. 1, 2024, Alberta-based non-profit organization The Mustard Seed has taken over renovating and running the building, and caring for tenants, after it was sold to the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation in 2023.
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The building, which also used to contain a temporary shelter, has faced its share of difficulties over the years.
In January 2022 the Saskatoon Fire Department found 42 fire code safety violations and after a series of financial issues and court dates, it went into full receivership in 2023. Now, it’s an entirely different entity.
Twila Reddekopp, The Mustard Seed Saskatoon housing manager, shows off one of the suites for supported living residents. (Lara Fominoff/650 CKOM)
Twila Reddekopp, who was formerly on the Lighthouse board of directors, is now The Mustard Seed’s Saskatoon housing manager. She said positive changes are well underway.
Independent living clients are being transitioned into community housing, and the building will eventually become a full supportive living facility housing about 65 people.
“Some of us have been here for four or five years already. I believe in what we do. The Mustard Seed is just going to take it all to the next level,” She said.
There have been some noticeable changes not only inside the building, but also outside as well, according to Shawna Nelson, executive director of DTN YXE.
“With the previous Lighthouse in regards to maintaining that area and that corner, it did have a lot of individuals that tended to linger around there which created issues in regards to garbage and other things that we were called to help clean in that area,” she said.
“We’ve noticed very quickly as to how The Mustard Seed Group is taking ownership and helping out in that regard, and keeping it a safe place for their own patrons as well as those walking by.”
During the first couple of months, Reddekopp said while there has been some focus on the inside of the building, security outside the building has also been a priority.
“We do have security 24/7…The front desk staff, some of them are also trained in security … we try and make sure nothing happens outside, because nine times out of 10 it carries inside,” she explained.
“Our focus has been a little bit more outside, to be honest … but it’s building relationships … and building that trust.”
Many walls and rooms showcase residents’ artwork and inspirational messages, including inside the cafeteria.(Lara Fominoff/650 CKOM)
Inside, staff members have been busy creating a library, a gym, a “store” where clients can “buy” donated things like clothing, shoes and household items, a cafeteria, laundry, recreation room, and making sure there are supports like counselling and addictions support as well as nurses and doctors who visit regularly.
“They’ve (residents) got case managers who help them manage their doctor’s appointments, optometrist appointments, psychiatrist appointments — maybe they have to go to the clinic for a specific type of appointment,” said Reddekopp.
The philosophy is to keep those living in the building busy with a variety of activities and outings.
“This is their house. We’re working in their house.”
Rooms are sparsely but adequately furnished with a couch, table and chairs, a small kitchen area with cabinets, a sink, enough room for a microwave and a fridge, a bedroom space, and a bathroom.
Once renovations are completed, The Mustard Seed will also run the temporary downtown shelter on Pacific Avenue, which is expected to have room for 30 to 40 people.
No timeline for opening has been set, although staff have already received dozens of bags of bedding from local hotels that have been undergoing renovations or upgrades.
Reddekopp said she’s excited for the changes coming down the road.
“I think everybody should just wait and see because we’re going to do some amazing things.”
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