(File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Susan McNeil

Shelter services

PAGC signs on as new emergency shelter operator

May 16, 2025 | 10:07 AM

The Prince Albert Grand Council has assumed operations of the city’s emergency shelter for homeless people, replacing the YWCA, which has operated the location since 2020.

The YWCA decided to step aside last month, and now, the grand council’s Urban Services department, led by Edward Mirasty, has taken over the daily operations of the shelter.

“We’re proud to be taking over these essential services for our relatives who are without housing,” said PAGC Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte.

“Many of those experiencing homelessness in Prince Albert are Indigenous, and that’s not by accident – it is a direct result of colonial policies, displacement, and generations of systemic exclusion. Moving forward, we hope to work together with all levels of government and service providers to create long-term, transformative solutions that will address the root causes of this crisis.”

A key exchange happened on May 13, and a smudging ceremony is planned for Friday to ‘bless the space and mark the start of a new chapter’, according to a PAGC news release.

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Shelter services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include referrals to housing and income assistance, addiction support, cultural and spiritual services and employment programs.

“Ensuring emergency shelter is available for those in need is a top priority,” said Social Services Minister Terry Jenson. “We are pleased to be working with Prince Albert Grand Council to continue providing services at the current Stepping Stones shelter location.”

Both the province and the PAGC acknowledged the effort and work the YWCA has put into the current temporary shelter and its efforts to find a permanent location.

Hardlotte recognized the long-standing leadership of Donna Brooks, CEO of YWCA Prince Albert.

“Her dedication—often going beyond the organization’s mandate—has made a lasting difference in the lives of those who turned to the shelter for help,” he said.

The YWCA is still involved in providing services in other capacities and is helping with the transition of services.

The City of Prince Albert and the Ministry of Social Services are working on finding a location for a permanent shelter.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

On BlueSky: @susanmcneil.bksy.social