The space underneath the grandstands on the exhibition grounds, will once again have use. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Homeless support

Cold weather shelter to re-open in Prince Albert

Oct 20, 2022 | 12:11 PM

Concerns related to Prince Albert’s homeless community and where they will go when temperatures drop below freezing have been alleviated for at least the short term.

Donna Brooks, CEO of Prince Albert’s YWCA, was able to confirm for paNOW on Thursday that the Stepping Stones shelter on the exhibition grounds, will in fact re-open this winter.

“We will have a service for our most vulnerable people this winter,” she said.

Working on the front lines, Brooks noted the increasing number of people she has personally witnessed sleeping on the streets, huddled in doorways.

The Stepping Stones shelter is expected to open early next month and like last year, will be able to accommodate upwards of 30 people. Brooks explained they have some funding confirmed, but added her confidence the rest will come through.

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“It’s not maybe a perfect scenario but it is a very positive scenario for this winter and I thank all the people involved in helping us to get this together,” she said.

Use of the space for the shelter was initially denied by the Prince Albert Exhibition Association board, but on Wednesday, a motion to reconsider was presented and passed.

A picture taken in 2020, inside the shelter. (File photo/ paNOW Staff)

While thanking the board for stepping up, Mayor Greg Dionne confirmed it is a one-year agreement.

“Over that year I’m going to be working with Prince Albert Grand Council to build a 75-bed permanent facility,” he said.

Recently city officials went to Saskatoon and toured the facility run by Saskatoon Tribal Council.

“I believe in best practice, Why should we try to reinvent the wheel when Chief Arcand has already gone through it. He knows the funding agents, he knows how to get things built,” Dionne explained.

In recent months, sights such as this have been become a lot more common on Prince Albert streets. (File photo/ paNOW Staff)

A motion to support the proposal was supported by City Council Monday night. Dionne explained he is now in the process of setting up meetings with all players that will be involved. And while a location for the permanent facility has not been decided, Dionne confirmed it will not be in the City’s downtown.

In addition to the cold weather shelter and the proposal in the works, it’s also important to note the City does have other shelter options including the 24-hour shelters for women and children, operated by the YWCA.

The City is also working with Prince Albert Grand Council on a plan to build a 75 bed permanent facility

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell