Vulnerable women will not have to brave the cold this winter following a last-minute approval of a women’s warming shelter by Saskatoon City Council.
With the warming shelter on Avenue C slated to be under construction until late November, and the Salvation Army only open to men, Council felt forced into a decision to approve a temporary women’s warming shelter at 50 23rd Street East, the former STC Bus depot.
City Council was made aware of the pressing issue at a special business meeting on Wednesday afternoon. Administration relayed that the cost to bring in washrooms, lighting, fencing, water and fire extinguishers is expected to be between $50,000 and $75,000, however, there is only $54,000 remaining in the City’s Warming Centre Fund. Any overage would be added to the mill rate.
Bev Dubois, among other frustrated councilors, took issue with the short notice, the lack of public engagement, the seemingly open budget, and Administration’s admission that the labour contract had already been signed prior to the special meeting being called.
“Why do we even have to have a special council meeting? Everything’s been done. You call a special council meeting where I’m supposed to be making these decisions, and the decisions have already been made.”
She adds that she isn’t angry with Administration, as she understands it can only work with what was dealt to it, but she feels she wasn’t given an opportunity to do her job.”
I am a compassionate person, and I do want to look after these folks. I want people to be safe. I want them to be warm. I want them to not be freezing on the streets. It’s a compassionate item, but the processes still need to be followed as far as I’m concerned.”
Concerned about the mill rate, Dubois put forward a motion that would put a $54,000 cap on the project. However, the City’s Chief Financial Officer Clae Hack said a cap would prevent work from moving forward should an overage occur, and Administration would like to have the project done this weekend. The motion was defeated on a tie.
Dubois agreed to adjust her motion to limit the project cost to between $50,000 and $75,000. Her idea passed unanimously among the other councilors, and work will now commence on bringing the empty building up to snuff in time for colder temps.
The warming shelter will envelop the front half of the former STC Bus Depot, as the back half is already being utilized as a temporary homeless shelter operated by the Mustard Seed at 210 Pacific Avenue.
