The Saskatchewan NDP Opposition is urging the government to take immediate action to address a worsening homelessness crisis, particularly in the province’s largest city.
NDP deputy leader Vicki Mowat highlighted data from the Saskatoon fire department indicating a significant increase in the number of homeless encampments.
According to the fire department, there were 1,248 encampments recorded in the first eight months of this year, just short of the total count of 1,255 for the entire previous year.
This trend suggests that Saskatoon is on track to see triple the number of encampments compared to the 512 counted in 2022.
“You see encampments, and it’s distressing to witness people living in such conditions,” Mowat expressed during a press briefing on Monday.
“With winter approaching in Saskatchewan, known for its harsh climate, no one should have to endure such living conditions. Everyone deserves a safe place to call home.”
From January 1 to September 1, fire crews dismantled 357 encampments, a notable increase compared to the 218 cleared in the entirety of the previous year, as first reported by CTV.
The City of Saskatoon defines an encampment as any area where individuals or groups reside together without housing, often in tents or other temporary structures.
Notably, the fire department has identified encampments in all 65 neighborhoods within Saskatoon.
Mowat outlined three potential solutions for the government to address the housing shortage in the region.
She reiterated the Opposition’s plea for rent control legislation, similar to measures in other provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia, and Manitoba.
Mowat also urged the Saskatchewan Party government to reinstate the practice of allowing Saskatchewan Income Support payments to be directly made to landlords.
Referring to individuals who have expressed confusion over the government’s decision to prohibit direct payments to landlords, Mowat emphasized that the NDP and others have long been advocating against this ruling.
“They have yet to reconsider this decision, which remains perplexing,” she added.
Additionally, Mowat called for the province to refurbish “thousands” of vacant government housing units to provide shelter for those in need.
Sharp Increase in Homeless Population in Saskatoon
Mowat emphasized that while homelessness is a growing concern across the province, it is particularly severe in Saskatoon. She highlighted that while homeless counts in some cities, such as Regina, doubled from previous tallies, they tripled in Saskatoon.
Last year’s point-in-time homeless count in Saskatoon identified 1,499 individuals, a stark rise from the 550 counted in 2022. The recent count was conducted on October 16, with results yet to be released.
Rachael Steinke, CEO of the Saskatoon Community Foundation, anticipated a higher homeless count this year based on discussions with stakeholders involved in the process. She shared this information during a city council committee meeting earlier this month.
On an upcoming council vote, a proposal will be presented to establish a central hub for homeless individuals to access various services, with potential locations to be discussed in the spring.
- <li class="similarLinkItem-j