Saskatoon Minute: Homelessness Count, Shelter Funding, and Housing Accelerator Interest

Saskatoon Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Saskatoon politics

This Week In Saskatoon:

• At 12:00 pm on Tuesday, there will be a meeting of the Municipal Planning Commission. The agenda includes reports on the Downtown Zoning Review (specifically the Commercial District and surface parking regulations throughout Downtown), the City Centre and District Plan, and the Brighton Neighbourhood Concept Plan.
  
  
• On Wednesday, at 9:30 am, there will be a Regular Business Meeting of City Council. Council will look to direct Administration to send the interest earned on the Housing Accelerator Fund to General Revenue and report back with options for using these funds. The agenda also includes a discussion about applications to the federal government’s Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund and Youth Gang Prevention Fund. Later in the day, at 6:00 pm, there will be a Public Hearing to gather feedback on concept plan amendments to the Stonegate Shopping Centre Regional Commercial Area, as well as rezoning in the Brighton neighbourhood.
  
  
• The Board of Police Commissioners will meet on Thursday at 1:00 pm. The Board will discuss the municipal and provincial approach to homelessness, as well as the timeline for an emergency residential shelter. Also on the agenda is a report regarding the Saskatoon Police Service’s approach to addressing possession of illicit drugs.

Last Week In Saskatoon:

• A recent point-in-time count in Saskatoon revealed that 1,499 people were experiencing homelessness, nearly triple the 2022 count of 550. The count was conducted in October by the City in partnership with local organizations and over 200 volunteers. Housing advocates and City officials are calling for significant investments in housing and support services to address the rising number of homeless individuals, many of whom face trauma and a lack of essential services. Mayor Cynthia Block emphasized the need for provincial and federal government assistance, noting the City's limited resources to solve the issue on its own.
  
  
• Council approved covering a $360,000 funding shortfall for renovations to the Mustard Seed-operated emergency shelter on Pacific Avenue. The Province initially estimated $250,000 for the project, but costs rose due to necessary mechanical, electrical, and plumbing upgrades. Council expressed frustration with the Province for not addressing funding gaps in its own project, delaying progress. The City will draw funds from its capital reserve and continue pushing the Province for reimbursement. The shelter, providing 35 beds, is expected to be completed by March 2025.
  
  
• Councillors discussed a proposal to regulate the sale of bear spray but chose not to act on it, opting instead to monitor provincial legislation. The suggestion to regulate was prompted by rising incidents of bear spray misuse. Police Chief Cam McBride reported over 300 bear spray attacks in 2024 and supported stricter regulations on sales and penalties. A Council Committee referenced the provincial Safe Public Spaces Act, which allows municipalities to enforce rules on carrying weapons like bear spray but does not address sales. City staff committed to revisiting the issue if further action is needed.