The results of Saskatoon’s Point in Time Homelessness Count came as a shock to many, including the Tribal Chief of the Saskatoon Tribal Council.

Mark Arcand says he expected Saskatoon to have about 800 homeless people, but when he heard the number was 1500, it sparked some frustration. He is now calling on City council to implement measures that will address homelessness immediately, not in years to come.

So far, council has agreed to spend $360 ,000 to finish renovations at the new temporary shelter at 210 Pacific Avenue.

“If you look at the Pacific building…they told us it was going to be by January for 35 beds. Now you do the math. Out of 1500 people, is 35 beds going to make a dent in our city? The answer is no.”

He says city council is putting money into a measure that won’t be affective until March, when the majority of the harsh winter weather has already passed.

The city has also accepted $4.48 million in federal funding to implement a six-phase plan to address homelessness, which is expected to wrap up in 2026. Arcand says we can’t wait two years, and action is needed now.

“The six-phase approach, it is proactive, but when’s it going to be ready? Two years down the line? That’s not good enough.”

Arcand says the city needs to treat the situation like the emergency it is, and open more warming shelters before temperatures plummet again.