Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief Mark Arcand is vocal about the underfunding of emergency shelters by the Saskatchewan government, particularly as the city plans to establish a temporary enhanced emergency shelter with 30 to 40 beds downtown. Arcand is critical of the chosen location, emphasizing that the funds should be directed towards a warm-up shelter instead, as current staffing levels at shelters are inadequate for client safety. He notes that existing shelters, including the STC’s, struggle with high client-to-staff ratios, which he argues should be 1:5 for safety.
Arcand highlights ongoing issues like violence and substance misuse in underfunded facilities, urging the city council to hold the province accountable. He expresses concern about the absence of provincial representatives at information sessions about the proposed shelter, questioning their commitment to addressing the homelessness crisis. The province has announced a budget increase for homelessness services but has not yet confirmed any warm-up centers for the winter in Saskatoon.
Mayor Charlie Clark has stated that the city is working with partners to finalize plans for a warming center, as they anticipate a significant rise in homelessness during the colder months. The proposed shelter is expected to open this winter if approved by city council.
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