‘What if, what if, what if’: Saskatoon community group reacts to shelter announcement

The city's decision to build its new 60-bed shelter in the heart city is being met with less opposition and more demands for the government to do better.

Reaction is coming in following the city’s announcement of a location for its enhanced emergency shelter.

The site, in the central industrial area behind Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre and Saskatchewan Polytechnic, is being met with less opposition and more of a demand for government to do better for those who face homelessness.

“It doesn’t take long to have an emotional reaction to this and start wondering, what if, what if, what if,” that’s what Ty Johnston, the communications coordinator for the Caswell Hill Community Association told CTV News about the proposed location.

Caswell Hill is one of the residential areas that borders Idylwyld Drive and is metres from the site of the newly announced 60 bed homeless shelter in the site currently used as overflow parking at Sask. Polytech.

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“They gave us two days heads up, over which time it depends on who’s looking at their email all the time. This a volunteer position, and it’s summer right now,” Johnston said.

Though he’s not happy with the timing and consultation on this decision, he does see the shelter as necessary.

The Caswell Hill association has drafted a letter for the powers that be with tangible requests like having a police liaison officer on site, having a good neighbour agreement and a long-term plan to help homeless people get proper help.

“We want to be there and be supportive of things that help our community members get stronger and get better. We also want to see investment into longer term solutions and affordable housing, addictions treatment, mental health,” he added.

The Mustard Seed has been tapped to run the new facility. It’s currently in charge of the Pacific Avenue Temporary Shelter and The Light House.

“It’s really important that we’re a part of the community and that we can be the best neighbours that we can be. Understanding that shelters are complicated, but they’re incredibly necessary,” said David Conrad, the director of community engagement.

That’s in line with what Sask. Polytech is hoping for, since it will be adjacent to the facility.

“We look forward to close collaboration with government and other stakeholders throughout the shelter’s design and construction to help ensure our campus and surrounding area continues to be a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for all.”

One of the concerns raised by Johnston and the Caswell Hill group is that there are two schools within blocks of the site: Caswell Community School and Saint Michael. The soon-to-reopen Harry Bailey pool also sits beside the location.

The Mustard Seed assures that safety concerns are a top priority.

“We have a responsibility not just to the clients that we serve, but to the neighbors around us … whether that’s through heightened levels of community engagement, or staff training.

Still there are many questions from Johnston and those in Caswell, like why wasn’t a location near the police station chosen?

“There’s empty space there. Why, why, why did you put it beside what you’re trying to revitalize with the Harry Bailey Centre, and trying to attract people and families,” he says.

The goal is to have the shelter operational by later winter.