A site has been selected in Saskatoon for the 60-bed enhanced emergency shelter to be operated by The Mustard Seed.

This is not an existing building. It is a plot of land at 170, 31st Street East that is owned by the Government of Saskatchewan and according to a news release it will meet the criteria set out by Saskatoon City Council.

The lot is currently in use for Saskatchewan Polytechnic parking; near the Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre and is already zoned for this type of development.

The City news release says the provincial government will lead the design and construction of the building. Subject to approval by Saskatoon City Council the City will contribute sidewalk construction from Idylwyld Drive along 31 St. E. at an estimated cost of $350,000. For an estimated $50,000 the City of Saskatoon will install a fence along the CPKC Rail line to the east of the site to keep people from walking along or being in the vicinity of the railway tracks.

The City of Saskatoon notes the Point in Time Homeless Count undertaken this year which showed Saskatoon, at 1,499, experiencing the highest number of people facing homelessness ever recorded. The opening date has yet to be finalized.

Neighbourhood Information Sessions will be held this September. The City will be holding a special meeting for area businesses, stakeholders and the Central Industrial Area community and another session for nearby residents. The first neighbourhood information session which is limited to 250 people on a first come first serve basis is at Saskatoon City Council Chambers September 15 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Saskatoon City Council criteria:

• Room for approximately 60 beds
• Beds in an open shelter-type hall (with movable wall systems or partitions)
• Some private rooms (accessed internally)
• An area suitable for office space for site staff
• Showers, bathrooms, kitchen
• Internal and external gathering spaces (amenity spaces) available on site be considered
• Proximity to other services should be considered
• Zoned appropriately if possible, or applicable for designation under the City’s Emergency Residential Shelter zoning provision
• On February 28, 2024, City Council also directed that any site be at least 250 metres from an elementary school in the Saskatoon Public School or Greater Saskatoon Catholic School system

Enhanced emergency shelters operate 24 hours per day, seven days per week, providing full access to shelter, three meals per day, case planning along with access to wrap-around supports, assistance in connecting to services and help to transition to appropriate housing and will include:

• Room for approximately 60 beds in an open shelter-type hall
• Flexible program and service space
• An area suitable for office space for site staff
• Showers, bathrooms, kitchen
• Internal and external gathering spaces available on site be considered