Chief delivers stern message to Downtown Wellness Centre critics, says new shelter on the way

Stop picking on the downtown wellness centre.

That was the message from Saskatoon Tribal Chief Mark Arcand to those who attended the North Saskatoon Business Association luncheon Wednesday at TCU Place. Arcand also announced that there will soon be another shelter opening up in a residential area in Saskatoon.

Arcand, the featured guest speaker, said he feels the Saskatoon Tribal Council and its downtown Emergency Wellness Centre have been unfairly targeted by critics and blamed for issues in the city centre.

In his speech, Arcand discussed the work done at the wellness centre, which houses around 75 people, including families, each night while also turning away more 15-20 people every single day.

(Lara Fominoff/650 CKOM)

He acknowledged that there were many people staying on the street outside of the centre with their belongings, including tents, sleeping bags, clothing and other items.

“People complain there’s too many people on the street with their belongings. Where the heck are they supposed to go? Somebody got a solution? If you do, tell me now. Right? There is no solution. We’ve got to work together to find a solution,” Arcand said.

“Don’t stand or sit behind a laptop and send in an email and think you’re solving an issue, ‘cause you’re actually pissing me off, and I’m not going to put up with it anymore,” he added.

Arcand said homelessness is everywhere in the city.

“It happens in every part of our city each and every day when you wake up,” he said.

The chief also invited business owners to help the shelter with donations, adding that anyone could fall on tough times and end up using a shelter if they lost their home or job.

“You’re not better than me. I’m not better than you. You’re not better than those people. They’re not better than you,” he said. “We’re all equal.”

In addition to the downtown wellness centre, Arcand announced a second shelter set to open in the coming months. Arcand said the new shelter will be located in “a residential area,” and will house another 100 people. He did not disclose the specific location of the second shelter.

“I’ll be running this (downtown) facility at 75 beds, plus that facility … and I think we’re going to need one in every other ward,” he said.

Arcand said continued community support, including addictions treatment and mental health services, are needed at both locations.

A third facility on 20th Street West is still 18 months to two years away, Arcand said.