Mayoral candidates offer their takes on downtown Saskatoon shelter

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The StarPhoenix asked the four candidates running for mayor this fall for their opinions on a proposed downtown location for a new emergency homeless shelter, given its proximity to a dance school that teaches children and a clinic that treats children with developmental and other issues.

DON ATCHISON

We must think of the children that are frequenting these locations. The children’s safety is paramount. I look at all the concerns we had with the shelter just a few blocks away on 1st Avenue and 23rd Street, The Lighthouse and the concerns over public safety. Well, this certainly reaches or exceeds those concerns.

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You require a police presence the entire time the dance school and the clinic are open. This location will only impede the transition of citizens believing that Saskatoon is safe and secure in the downtown.

The DEED (downtown event and entertainment district) is to be built right across the street. Instead of setting aside $30 million for the DEED right now, we should be using those funds to address homelessness right now.

The city tells us that DEED is years away, well, homelessness is today. What is required are temporary shelters for emergency purposes right now and we must move away from the “emergency shelter” mindset, which treats homelessness as a temporary problem.

Instead, we need a “solution-based response,” focused on long-term recovery, dignity, and reintegration into society. We can help individuals to regain their dignity and dignity is economic freedom.

CYNTHIA BLOCK

The proposal before City Council is reactive and fails to address the legitimate concerns of neighbours and the downtown. We are in an emergency situation with winter coming, and people who are unhoused need shelter.

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I have not made a decision yet, but know it’s time for a different approach.

We need residents and business at the table to help us solve this crisis. It’s why I am calling for a Task Force on Homelessness and a comprehensive national strategy with direct funding dollars to our city. Working with our community, we will ensure clear coordination and a clear plan.

GORD WYANT

When this city council was considering the shelter facility in Sutherland, the public consultations led to some rules around distances from schools, albeit specifically public and Catholic schools. Notably, those rules also required council to contemplate additional factors that could influence the decision.

One assumes the rationale behind this was that this council didn’t want shelters near vulnerable populations. Yet, they’ve now chosen a location adjacent to facilities that cater to young children — such as a dance studio — and a clinical psychology practice treating children with significant trauma and autism.

It’s difficult to conceive of a more vulnerable population. In fact, some businesses in the area currently have hired security guards over the last number of months.

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After talking with people and businesses in a number of communities, residents’ concerns are nearly identical. The city has had a year to find an appropriate location but dropped this decision without public consultation — similar to what happened in the Fairhaven community.

Again, no consultation, no safety plan, and zoning bylaws ignored. That neighbourhood, too, has schools, daycares, and services for vulnerable people. What’s missing here is a comprehensive plan that brings all stakeholders to the table.

CARY TARASOFF

The 106-bed Fairhaven shelter is beside a public park, in the middle of three public schools, down the street from the YMCA Childcare Centre, a dance school, many medical and spiritual operations, and a soon to be opened medically inclusive child care centre (Hope’s Home).

The city and the province broke the rules to put it in Fairhaven and no rules are going to stop them from doing it again in the current location that they are planning. Wash, rinse, repeat.

(These responses were condensed and edited.)

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