Saskatoon city hall is expanding its response to homelessness by proposing the purchase of several west-side properties using federal funding. City council will consider buying six vacant lots in or near the Riversdale and Pleasant Hill neighbourhoods at its next meeting. Two of the properties, owned by Imperial Oil Ltd. in the West Industrial area near 19th Street West, have long-standing contamination issues and would cost $700,000. The city has previously partnered with Imperial Oil to remediate adjacent land it owns, and administration suggests the combined sites could support social housing and a central navigation hub for homeless services.
Additional proposals include purchasing a vacant lot in Riversdale and three adjacent properties in Pleasant Hill for just over $1 million, also using federal homelessness funding. These sites could support future supportive housing in partnership with Indigenous organizations.
Council will also review a lease for a warming centre in Riversdale. The city purchased a former restaurant on Avenue C South and plans to lease it to the province for $10 a year until March, with the Saskatoon Tribal Council operating the centre. The facility would accommodate up to 150 people, with operating costs covered by the province. The city estimates its own costs at $55,160 and is working with partners on safety planning, amid concerns about the centre’s proximity to other shelters.
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