Why 'Peacekeepers' have been key to the success of Saskatoon Tribal Council's new shelter
The work of staff known as Peacekeepers has been an integral component of the success of the Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) Wellness Centre, according to an administration report on downtown safety and wellbeing to Saskatoon City Council.
"The Peacekeeper model started as an STC employee who was trained to ensure safety within the Wellness Centre," said the report, to be received as information at Tuesday's meeting.
"The process for people entering the building includes safety measures such as the use of metal wand detection, removal of shoes and removal of exterior bulky clothing. This process is facilitated by the Peacekeepers in a respectful manner."
The report says that with the warmer weather more people are gathering outside, "which is encouraged and welcome." The city and partner agencies are working to mitigate any increase in vandalism, garbage, and open drug use around the exterior of the building.
"An enhanced Peacekeeper model has been implemented to perform perimeter checks every 15 minutes, to communicate with those gathered and play a role in encouraging respect for the public realm," the report says.
Two Peacekeepers are on staff. The STC's goal is to increase that to five Peacekeepers and one maintenance staff every shift, according to the report.
In addition, the Wellness Centre has been offering job opportunities to support relatives on the path from homelessness to shelter to transitional housing.
"Some of the relatives have been provided the opportunity to develop a sense of responsibility through picking up garbage, cleaning windows, sweeping sidewalks, and other tasks," the report says.
The STC is part of a city-led committee working to improve downtown safety and wellbeing. The committee also includes Saskatoon Fire Department, Saskatoon Police Service, the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Review Committee, the city's utilities and environment department, Saskatoon Land and the Community Support Program.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
BREAKING Sheldon Keefe out as head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Torchbearers in Marseille kick off the Olympic flame's journey across France
Torchbearers carried the Olympic flame through the streets of France's southern port city of Marseille on Thursday, a day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for a welcoming ceremony.
Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Court to hear about search for remains as Winnipeg murder trial enters second day
A courtroom in Winnipeg is expected to hear testimony today about the search for the remains of the four victims of Jeremy Skibicki.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.