Saskatoon organization sees increased need after PHR consumption site closure

With Prairie Harm Reduction facing a financial shortfall and its supervised consumption site closed, other community organizations are feeling the impact.

Days after Saskatoon’s supervised consumption site closed due to a financial shortfall, demand for some community services has increased.

David McCallum visits Prairie Harm Reduction (PHR) daily and says, with the site shut down, options for support are limited.

“There’s nowhere to go but here,” McCallum said.

Meanwhile, some people are turning to other organizations for support, including the Saskatoon Indian and Métis Friendship Centre (SIMFC), which offers a range of programs, including meals, clothing, cultural programs and outreach services.

“There’s different hubs that people will congregate at, so we’ve noticed more people starting to come here,” said Michelle King, the executive director of SIMFC.

PHR’s board of directors said last week it learned of a significant financial shortfall on March 5. It said demand for its supervised consumption site increased by about 300 per cent over the past year, adding the organization spent beyond its means to avoid turning people away and has brought in external experts to review its finances.

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In addition to the consumption site, PHR runs several programs, including a drop-in centre and support services such as transportation and housing.

Publicly available charity return information show PHR’s compensation expenses rose from just over $2.8 million in the 2022-23 fiscal year to more than $3.8 million in 2025. Staffing levels also shifted, from 44 full-time and 32 part-time or seasonal employees to 61 full-time and 18 part-time or seasonal employees.

CTV News asked the board about the increase and its financial oversight but did not receive a response.

The provincial government said Monday it’s no longer providing more than $2.5 million in annual payments to PHR due to governance issues at the organization.

King said if more services disappear, pressure on other organizations will increase.

“The fact that Prairie Harm Reduction has housing and other supports, if those supports close down, it’s going to be very taxing on the rest of us,” she said.

Earlier this week, the PHR board said it expects a preliminary financial report early this month and that its drop-in centre remains open.