20th Street Encampment

Community Legal Assistance Services for Saskatoon Inner City (CLASSIC) says it has filed an injunction application in Saskatchewan’s Court of King’s Bench to stop the City of Saskatoon from clearing the homeless encampment on Avenue K South.

In a news release, CLASSIC says they have also launched a constitutional challenge against the city bylaws being used to remove the encampment, arguing they violate Charter rights related to security of the person and equality.

According to CLASSIC, affidavits from encampment residents describe ongoing barriers to securing housing, including poverty, mental health challenges, addiction issues, difficulties obtaining landlord references, and challenges renting while on income assistance.

Residents say the encampment provides community, safety, and stability while they seek permanent housing.

CLASSIC argues that clearing the site would displace residents and cause irreparable harm due to what it describes as a lack of accessible and adequate shelter options in Saskatoon.

Encampment resident David Fineday is seeking a meeting with the city, along with other residents, to discuss housing and shelter alternatives before any removals take place.