Saskatoon new shelter renovation finished, set to open in April

After months of work, renovations to the downtown temporary shelter have been completed and the city says it’s ready for use.

In a news release sent Thursday morning, the City of Saskatoon said the emergency shelter is anticipated to open in April.

Last September, the city announced the former Saskatchewan Transportation Company building at 210 Pacific Avenue had been identified as a potential temporary site for an enhanced emergency shelter.

The city-owned property had to undergo renovations to accommodate about 30 to 40 beds.

The province committed up to $250,000 for renovations to open the facility after leasing the building and providing operational funding. The Alberta-based non-profit The Mustard Seed was tapped to operate the service.

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After assessing the building, the city discovered the cost to renovate would be significantly higher than anticipated, and council was forced to take a $360,000 hit, as the province refused to contribute more.

In response to feedback from nearby residents and businesses, the city says it implemented changes to the site plan.

These changes include fencing around the property, no walk-in access from Pacific Avenue, with facility access only available from Ontario Avenue, and seven-day-per-week, extended-hour security and support dedicated to the downtown area, with a focus on the vicinity around the shelter.

“Representatives from the city, Saskatoon Fire Department, Saskatoon Police Service, Government of Saskatchewan, and The Mustard Seed are also meeting with neighbours in the immediate vicinity ahead of the opening to discuss the operating and safety plan,” the city said.

The city says it is working with the province to identify a permanent site for the shelter.