Plans for Saskatoon's first temporary homeless shelter underway
The Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) is planning to open the city’s first temporary homeless shelter.
The proposed space is on 145 First Avenue North and would have capacity for 50 beds.
Last week, city councillors voted unanimously to change a bylaw to allow for emergency shelters.
The temporary facilities may operate for a maximum of six months.
STC Chief Mark Arcand says Saskatoon is facing a homelessness crisis and hopes this facility can give people a place to go during the winter months.
“This is our community. This is our city. We’ve got a crisis on our hands and we all have to come together,” Arcand told reporters outside the proposed site.
Arcand says staff would be on-site 24/7 and work to connect people with mental health, addictions and housing support.
Saskatoon police will provide regular patrols of the area, according to the STC.
Groups hoping to open a temporary homeless shelter must outline a plan for the facility and include details of sleeping areas, washrooms, staffing and capacity.
In a city hall meeting next week, the STC is set to submit its plan and request to lease the city-owned space for the temporary shelter.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton to remain in medically induced coma until later this week: police
Serial killer Robert Pickton will remain in a medically induced coma for at least the next few days following an attack in a Quebec prison Sunday, according to police spokesperson Hugues Beaulieu.
Charlie Colin, founding member of the pop-rock band Train, dies at 58
Charlie Colin, bassist and founding member of the American pop-rock band Train, best known for their early-aughts hits like 'Drops of Jupiter' and 'Meet Virginia,' has died. He was 58.
'Five feet nothing': Pickton's safety likely behind Quebec transfer, says ex-prison judge
When serial killer Robert Pickton was transferred from British Columbia's Kent Institution to a maximum security prison in Quebec about six years ago, correctional authorities gave no public explanation or confirmation at the time, citing privacy.
'I feel betrayed': Ottawa-area customers out thousands of dollars warn of bad faith contractor
A group of people from eastern Ontario and western Quebec is issuing a warning about Dennis Walker and his company Vue Windows.
Fancy pigeon outfitted in custom diaper has free rein in B.C. family home
When Chrissy Chin volunteered to take in a fancy pigeon abandoned on a park bench, she never imagined she would one day be ordering custom-made diapers for the bird – who lives in her house and has become a member of the family.
'We'll need all hands on deck': Details emerge after deadly boat crash near Kingston
Police say they have wrapped up their on-scene investigation into a deadly boat crash in eastern Ontario as details of the incident begin to emerge.
WestJet planning new fare category for travellers willing to forgo carry-on bag
WestJet Airlines plans to launch a new cheaper fare category that would be available to travellers willing to fly without a carry-on bag.
5 dead and at least 35 hurt in Iowa tornado: officials
Five people died and at least 35 were hurt as powerful tornadoes ripped through Iowa Tuesday, with one carving a path of destruction through the town of Greenfield, officials said.
Woman found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017 matches identity of missing person in Switzerland
Genetic genealogy has helped Toronto police identify a woman who was found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017.