STC Tribal Chief supports selected site for permanent drop-in centre

Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief Mark Arcand expressed support for a proposed permanent drop-in centre at 130 Idylwyld Drive North, a City proposal estimated at just over $1.6 million. City Council will consider the proposal on Feb. 25, and the administration has indicated an expected opening of Nov. 1 if approved.

Saskatoon administration has proposed a permanent drop-in centre at 130 Idylwyld Drive North that would cost just over $1.6 million and offer street-level access, proximity to downtown services, and separate bays for men and women. The Saskatoon Tribal Council operates the current centre at 325 Avenue C South, and Tribal Chief Mark Arcand said he supports the identified site because the present building is in poor condition and lacks sufficient showers and laundry for users. Arcand noted the Avenue C location sits beside the Salvation Army shelter and said concentrating services in one place has been a concern. If City Council approves the proposal at its Feb. 25 meeting, the administration has suggested an opening date of Nov. 1, while Arcand encouraged opening earlier in September. He also proposed keeping the Avenue C facility as a secondary warming location as demand changes. Key details: - Proposed site: 130 Idylwyld Drive North, estimated cost just over $1.6 million. - Proposed features include street-level access, proximity to downtown services, and two separate bays for men and women. - The STC currently operates the drop-in centre at 325 Avenue C South, which is described as having limited showers and laundry while serving about 120 women per night. - Chief Mark Arcand expressed support for the new site and raised concerns about concentrating services next to the Salvation Army shelter. - City Council will consider the proposal on Feb. 25; the administration indicated a possible opening of Nov. 1, and Arcand suggested an earlier opening in September and retaining Avenue C as a secondary warming site. Summary: City Council's decision on Feb. 25 will determine whether the proposed permanent drop-in centre at 130 Idylwyld proceeds. If approved, the administration has proposed a Nov. 1 opening, with community leaders noting an earlier opening could address seasonal needs and suggesting the current Avenue C location remain available as a secondary site.