The former Fire Station on Central Avenue will be the first of two new temporary 30-bed emergency shelters in Saskatoon. Last October, the Government of Saskatchewan announced a Provincial Approach to Homelessness which included funding for 60 new emergency shelter spaces in Saskatoon. The Mustard Seed was selected by the province to operate the shelters and the City was asked to find suitable locations.

Fire Chief Morgan Hackl says, the province has committed to developing additional outreach supports to enhance safety and security around shelter facilities, and the Saskatoon Fire Department will continue to have a presence in the neighbourhood.

A news release from the City says there will be neighbourhood information meetings with representatives from the City, the Government of Saskatchewan and The Mustard Seed and then the recorded sessions will be available online. The City will continue to own the building and has proposed leasing it to the provincial government, and the province will refurbish the former Fire Hall, which is expected to open in the spring for the medium to long term.

As well, a number of City Council approvals are needed, including removing the Municipal Reserve Designation, offering a below market value lease, and duration of a Temporary Emergency Shelter for up to 18 months.

The second temporary 30-bed shelter space hasn’t been announced yet. In November, after hours of discussion, City Council approved the former liquor store on Idylwyld Drive North as the location for a 15-bed complex needs emergency shelter.