Long term location of shelter a concern for downtown businesses

It also almost did not happen as the Exhibition board did not want to use the location again but members changed their mind last week.

Another application by The Mustard Seed was withdrawn for this winter but the Calgary-based organization has not closed the door permanently.

“While The Mustard Seed is still committed to establishing services in Prince Albert, we recognize that providing a solution for the 2022 winter season is not feasible at this time. Our team will continue to consult with Planning and Development Services and the Government of Saskatchewan on future solutions for the community,” Taylor Kawaguchi, senior project and administrative manager wrote in a letter to council.

The Mustard Seed had submitted proposals for two locations but council did not approve the first proposal and had not reached a decision on the second option.

The Downtown Business Association says it does not support a shelter within its boundaries, which includes most of the downtown core.

“PADBID feels strongly that the addition of a homeless shelter in our Business District is a detriment to the business community,” Director Rhonda Trusty said. “We would like to remind council that we currently have numerous non-profit agencies located in the downtown area such as: the YWCA, Our House, the Friendship Centre, Moose Lodge located in the Union Centre, the Salvation Army, Vern Temple Ministries and the Prince Albert Grand Council.”

A recent motion by the board of directors for PADBID urged the city to ask the federal government to open the armouries as a shelter.

Last week, council backed an effort from Mayor Greg Dionne to have the Saskatoon Tribal Council help them develop a long-term plan.

Coun. Edwards said those he’s spoken with have told him they’re afraid to go shopping downtown and asked if the homeless people can be removed from the city.

“A lot of the homeless, a lot of the people that are coming up to our windows and knocking on our car windows when we’re readying to go shopping, they’re scaring some of the shoppers,” he said.

Mitch Holash, the city solicitor, said municipal powers are limited when it comes to relocation unless they break laws, in which case the justice system deals with them.

“Absent any such conduct, there’s no requirement that people within our municipal boundary have a fixed abode,” he said.

The application for the temporary winter shelter was made by the YWCA, which already operates a 60-bed shelter for women and children along with Our House, another shelter for adult women with 12 beds.

The YWCA has also operated temporary shelters (Stepping Stones) for men and said that despite adding 10 beds to the 20 it started with, it was not enough.

In the coldest weather, workers estimate between 35 and 45 beds are needed.

Last year, Stepping Stones sheltered 422 unique people that totaled 5,149 bed nights.

They have asked the province for $365,000 to operated a 25-bed shelter this winter and say that Reaching Home has promised another $100,000.

Council approved the request in principle so the shelter can open on November 1 and the permits will come back for consideration at the next meeting.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

by Susan McNeil

Long term location of shelter a concern for downtown businesses

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