This is Vanese Ferguson with Coffee Talk. The point in time homeless count already released the over reaching numbers but the report is slated to be released this morning that will provide the real picture, for instance, how many children are part of the latest count. In November it was revealed that there were 1,931 individuals identified as experiencing homelessness in Saskatoon. That’s 432 more than the 2024 count. I have no doubt the numbers will support Administration’s recommendation, adopted last week, to designate 130 Idylwyld Drive North as the new drop-in/homeless shelter in the city. This facility is going to replace the current women’s warming shelter on Avenue C North, right next to the men’s shelter. And this shelter will be available to men and women. Prairie Optometry is a couple doors down and the owner told council if she’d known a drop in shelter was going to operate there, she’d never have purchased the property. Also within throwing distance of the the site is the city’s chronic pain management clinic. In addition a daycare was slated to open up nearby in May. Administration cited access to services as one of the pluses for the the facility’s location. But I thought the original plan was to have services available at the shelter. Having people who can liaise in regard to social services, housing, health care, addictions, and mental health. I confess, maybe I’m being too simplistic. But if all of that is part and parcel then why can’t this be located away from things like new business – which contributes to the city’s tax base – or a health delivery enterprise, or a daycare. When the first shelter in Fairmont was created, the big obstacle and the reason why they ended up in Fairmont, was finding property to buy. Well, the feds are giving up $1.6 million dollars. I have a hard time believing that wouldn’ tconvince some folks in the industrial areas to offer some options.