This downtown building that used to be a liquor store could become the new Complex Needs Emergency Shelter. (Susan McNeil/paNOW Staff)

By Susan McNeil

Complex needs

Council to consider application for complex needs shelter downtown

Jul 18, 2025 | 4:00 PM

An alternative to placing people in jail cells when high or intoxicated, which has long been pushed for by city council, will be on Monday’s agenda.

Council will consider a development permit application from the province to use the old SLGA building in the downtown for a Complex Needs Emergency Shelter.

“Unlike traditional shelters, individuals do not self-refer. A CNES provides an alternate safe and secure location where police may bring individuals who are intoxicated and exhibiting behaviour that presents a danger to themselves or a danger or disturbance to the public,” reads an information sheet.

Councillors, notably Blake Edwards, have been asking the province for well over a year to put such a shelter in the city.

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Saskatoon and Regina have had the same type of facility for over a year and are seeing a positive impact.

Clients would be brought to the shelter and held for up to 24 hours, and taken to other community support programs when they are discharged.

According to the information sheet, the location was chosen because it is close to other support services, which is “a crucial component of the discharge plan for individuals transitioning out of crisis care.”

“Discharge planning ensures that individuals are connected and transported to appropriate community supports upon discharge. Being near these services increases the effectiveness of the CNES program and helps individuals access resources for ongoing care and stability.”

Between 10 and 15 beds are planned with trained nurses and support staff who are experienced in managing withdrawal.

There will also be security personnel trained to handle people in distress.

Only police will be able to bring patients to the facility, and it will not be open to the public.

The building will be monitored, and loitering will not be allowed.

The province said it expects the facility to improve public safety as it gives an alternate, secure location for people who are behaving in a way that is a danger to themself or causing a disturbance to the public.

While no organization has yet been named to operate the facility, in Saskatoon and Regina, Edgewood Health Network is the contracted operator.

The building will need some renovations, and if all goes forward, the beds will open in the spring.

Council meets at 2 pm on Monday in City Hall. Meetings can also be watched online on the city’s website.

The Complex Needs Shelter would be step away from the Prince Albert Police substation near City Hall. (Susan McNeil/paNOW Staff)

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

On BlueSky: @susanmcneil.bsky.social