The opening of a temporary emergency shelter and wellness center for the homeless in Saskatoon was delayed after the city council unanimously approved it on Thursday.
The Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) had been advocating for opening the wellness center as quickly as possible starting Monday, but says staff are now awaiting approval for an HVAC inspection that would ensure air circulation and ventilation. adequate in the building.
“We will follow all the safety measures related to the health and fire codes. We want to get this right, ”Tribal Chief Mark Arcand said in a statement Monday night.
“The Saskatoon Tribal Council believes that it is essential that our families and staff are safe, and this is a priority for us.”
The facility is being geared up with laundry facilities, showers, an entertainment room and social services for the homeless amid cold weather and crowded shelters this winter.
STC officials say they hope to help about 50 people at the temporary facility at a time. They have not given a planned date for the opening, but say they will update at a later date when they have more information.
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