Representatives from City Council, PAGC and Metis-Nation Saskatchewan stand united. (Tina Pelletier photography)

By Nigel Maxwell

Homeless strategy

Prince Albert inter-agency commits to homeless shelter

Dec 2, 2024 | 12:17 PM

While a location has yet to be determined, a new homeless shelter in Prince Albert has at least received a renewed commitment.

On Friday, the Interagency Committee on Homelessness met at Prince Albert Grand Council Urban Services and a motion was unanimously passed to support a collaborative effort involving PAGC, the City of Prince Albert, YWCA, the Métis Nation, and the Government of Saskatchewan in creating and supporting a permanent site for a homeless shelter. The motion was introduced by Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte.

“It’s to really look at a site that’s makes sense. You don’t want a put a permanent center for the homeless way out where they’re gonna ave a hard time walking to, especially in the cold weather,” Hardlotte said.

Plans for the homeless recently came to light last October, when during a City Council meeting a motion to rezone a property on 18th St. West fell flat. No councillor would second Dawn Kilmer’s motion, ending the matter. While public support for a shelter has been positive, the consensus seems to be ‘not in my backyard.’

The homeless shelter was also a big topic during the municipal election campaign.

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Also represented at the inter-agency meeting was the Stepping Stones shelter which at its location on the exhibition grounds, provides 45 beds. Hardlotte said it was disturbing to hear people getting turned away.

“There are so many homeless people and there are only so many beds so they still turn down people and those people have to walk around,” Hardlotte said.

Also represented at meeting were representatives from the Salvation Army, city police and city council.

Following his election victory, Mayor Bill Powalinsky noted the urgency and importance of the shelter.

“I think we need to have the courage that I’ve seen other municipalities and jurisdictions take and, deciding on a homeless location, I really think that we need to look at evidence-based research as to what happens when you do have a shelter, ” he said.

Donna Brooks, CEO of the Prince Albert YWCA, was pleased by the show of support.

“I am very pleased and excited by this level of commitment. Prince Albert has shown time and time again how working together helps to create a city where everyone is valued and our most vulnerable have access to the services need,” she said.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell