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During Saskatoon City Council’s regular business meeting Wednesday, Deputy Fire Chief Yvonne Raymond gave an update on how the city plans to address encampments where unhoused people are living.
The fire department posted Emergency Notice to Remedy bulletins in the area near Avenue K and 20th Street, where encampments have been established.
“It’s not an eviction. It’s a notice to remedy in that the encampment is increasing in risks daily,” Raymond said.
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While the initial notice indicated the area would be cleared Wednesday, that was postponed.
“A cleanup is arranged for tomorrow (Thursday). There (are) contractors that are arranged, and there will be some fencing coming to the site.”
Ward 2 Coun. Senos Timon asked whether the city could consider a more gradual approach to allow people living in the encampment more time to access services that could help them leave.
He expressed concern that people could be displaced only to return later, creating a recurring cycle.
However, Raymond said supports have been offered to people living in the encampment, but most have not taken advantage of them.
“In the last 13 days, the Salvation Army has been offering supports and they have been encouraged to take supports … they’ve been declining,” Raymond said.
“I think there is that moment where they actually have to realize the encampment is going to be removed.”
But lawyer Crystal Fafard is trying to prevent that from happening.
“We were hoping to get an injunction today, but it looks like the court has decided to give us a hearing date of Monday,” Fafard said.
“I did reach out to the City of Saskatoon and ask if it would hold off on tearing down any of the encampments until the hearing, and it denied the request.”
Fafard said the city’s decision not to delay clearing the encampment is unreasonable.
“I’ve been at these encampments a couple of times, and they’re very peaceful. They’re very quiet. There’s no drugs, no alcohol. They keep it as clean as possible,” Fafard said.
“They have been asking the city for services, basic services such as garbage bins and toilets, so they can maintain some sanitation, and it’s been denied.”
Fafard said she plans to proceed with the hearing Monday, even though it may be too late by that point.
“We really want to put the issue before the judge who will be hearing it, and we want to hear what the city’s position is,” Fafard said.
“We just want to open up some dialogue to say we’re serious. We need something done regarding these encampments. It’s a big concern to the entire city.”
