Drug deals, fires, public intoxication and feces in the elevator are just some of the things seniors at Scott and Forget Towers have witnessed since the province began allowing those with complex needs and addictions to live there, as well.

Owned by the Saskatoon Housing Authority, the towers were formerly dedicated to housing seniors ages 55 and up. Now, residents have noticed that vacant units are being used to house those with complex needs and addictions.

Carol Koffler says she has lived in the building for nearly four years and started to notice operational changes in January.

“We were never told about any of it. They keep saying ‘the government is making us put these people here.’ That’s what we were told. We just want a solution. We want to be safe in our home. We pay rent like everybody else.” She adds that mixing addicts with seniors is not the answer to the city’s homelessness problem.

Resident Janet Oglestone echoed her concerns.

“There’s been excessive alcohol consumption, all night long get-togethers, I can smell the booze in my suite…There’s smoking, pot smoking, and I’ve had two episodes of meth being used next door.”

Several seniors have even formed a ‘safety squad’ in an attempt to protect each other in their own home.

Opposition critic for seniors Matt Love says the seniors have invited their MLA, Lisa Lambert, to come to their building and discuss the matter four times, but she has yet to make an appearance.

These unsafe living conditions mimic those that were reported months ago in Moose Jaw’s High Park Towers and Warman’s Diamond House care home. The seniors, as well as the Saskatchewan NDP, are urging the province to provide alternative housing for those with complex needs, and let seniors enjoy their final years, worry-free.