Many questions during public meeting about emergency shelter to be located near Caswell Hill

The City of Saskatoon, the provincial government, Saskatoon Police Service and Mustard Seed (shelter operator) fielded questions at a public meeting Monday night about a 60-bed enhanced emergency shelter to be established one year from now at 170-31st Street East

About 150 people viewed the proceedings—about one-third in person at City Hall and the remainder online.

Several area residents expressed concern about the emergency shelter being too close to nearby schools and bars, as well as the Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre. There is a 250 meter buffer area required between an emergency shelter and the nearest schools. Caswell Hill Elementary School is 295 meters and St. Michael Community School is 355 meters away as “the crow flies.” There is no buffer area for bars and alcohol vendors, both of which are located within walking distance.

The City of Saskatoon’s Director of Planning and Development, Lesley Anderson says over 100 locations around the city were examined as a potential shelter location.

This Caswell Hill resident feels the selection process was not transparent.

Saskatoon Police Staff Sergeant Michael Horvath grew up in the Caswell Hill neighborhood. He says the city, police and fire department will implement an integrated plan to reduce what are termed as “social disorder calls”