A homeless person camping on the steps of city hall several winters ago. Like other cities, Prince Albert has seen a surge in encampments and people struggling to house themselves in the last several years. (file photo)

By Susan McNeil

Survey

City looks for public input on shelter location via survey

Feb 3, 2025 | 2:58 PM

A survey will be part of the city’s plan to get public feedback on what Prince Albert should consider when it comes to the location of a permanent homeless shelter.

All four public in-person meetings wrapped up Jan. 30 with strong turnout at all the meetings. Now the city is looking to also get some support via a survey on its website.

“We are trying to get as much input as possible from the community to inform this conversation,” said Anna Dinsdale, the city’s community safety and well-being manager.

“The attendance at the first three consultation workshops has been brilliant, and this survey is another way for us to gather feedback from those who are unable to attend or who have more that they would like to contribute.”

The two-minute survey can be accessed online here: https://arcg.is/OHWua

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When all the feedback is collected and sorted, council will use the information to give the YWCA a greenlight to build a permanent shelter.

They have been operating out of the Exhibition Association’s grandstand for the last few years but would like a permanent building that also allows them to increase services, such as more counselling and help for people transitioning to other living situations. The temporary location has 45 beds.

The province has promised funding to build their own facility or renovate one to suit their needs that includes things like a grassy outdoor area, showers and laundry.

The ultimate goal is to help individuals regain dignity, build self-esteem, and transition to long-term housing, said Dinsdale.

Council will choose a location before the end of March.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

On BlueSky: @susanmcneil.bsky.social