After going nearly four years with just two showers and no commercial kitchen, the 106-bed Emergency Wellness Centre in Fairhaven is undergoing some renovations.

Saskatoon Tribal Council Tribal Chief Mark Arcand says the project will be completed in phases. The carpet, which was starting to produce a smell, has already been replaced with hardwood flooring. Next, the crew will be installing 10 showers and 13 bathrooms followed by a commercial kitchen and a laundry room. 

“We’ve never had a kitchen in there to cook the meals in the last three to four years for the relatives- 106 meals every breakfast, lunch, and dinner,” Arcand explains. “Bringing in food from another facility for the last three or four years is pretty hard on people.”

Arcand says aside from providing adequate services for clients, the new facilities, such as laundry and kitchen areas, will offer residents an opportunity to learn some skills. 

“Imagine if we could help that relative and say, ‘Hey, you need work for today? You’re going to be in charge of laundry. You’re going to be doing it all day, and you’re going to get paid to do it.’ So, it gives somebody hope and purpose.”

The federal government is providing $1.4 million for the project, and the province is chipping in another $975,000. The renovations should be complete by next March. 

Arcand adds that he looks forward to the Government’s Compassionate Care Act coming to fruition, as some people are too deep into their addiction to get help for themselves and will benefit from a referral.