The renovations for the temporary emergency shelter on Pacific Avenue, the former home of the Saskatchewan Transportation Company parcel depot, are complete.

The City of Saskatoon says in a news release the building has been turned over to The Mustard Seed, which is preparing now for shelter operations, and it is scheduled to open next month. Last September, City Council approved an 18-month permit for temporary operation of a 30 to 40 bed enhanced emergency shelter in the STC building, and approved a request to lease the city-owned building to the provincial government at a below market rate.

Some of the work that was done was a fence for those using the shelter, and delineation between the shelter and surrounding businesses. There will be no walk-in access off Pacific Avenue. The only access for shelter guests will be from Ontario Avenue. And, there will be extended-hour security/support dedicated to the downtown with a proactive priority focus on the area around the shelter.

City Administration in collaboration with the province is in the final stages of identifying a permanent site.