City of Saskatoon proposes new site on Idylwyld Drive for drop-in homeless centre

After concerns were raised about a previous site on Avenue C South, the City of Saskatoon says it has identified a new proposed site for a drop-in centre to provide support to the city’s homeless.

“Securing a safe, suitable location for a drop-in centre that can provide daytime and overnight support year-round for people experiencing homelessness is a priority,” the city explained in a statement.

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“Based on the Government of Saskatchewan’s $3 million annual funding commitment for drop-in homelessness services, the City of Saskatoon was asked to find an appropriate location.”

Council approved the purchase of the property on Avenue C in October, but the city noted that concerns about the location were quickly raised, including its proximity to the Salvation Army’s shelter.

“Administration has now identified 130 Idylwyld Drive North as an alternative option. The site offers a central location, street-level access, proximity to transit and services, and a flexible layout with two bays that support adaptable service delivery, including distinct spaces for men and women,” the city said.

“The purchase price for the site is $1,635,000 and would be funded through existing federal government funding.”

Before the centre opens, the city said a “coordinated safety plan” will be developed in collaboration with both the province and the Saskatoon Tribal Council, which will be operating the drop-in centre.

“This approach reflects the methods successfully used around the Avenue C location and the downtown temporary shelter,” the city said.

The centre will need some renovations before it can open, including installation of showers, laundry equipment and fencing, the city noted, as well as upgrades to plumbing and HVAC systems. The cost to get the building into shape has been estimated at $350,000, and the city said those funds would be drawn from Saskatoon’s affordable housing reserve.

If the purchase is approved by Saskatoon City Council, the city said it will target an opening date of Nov. 1, 2026.

“The Government of Saskatchewan would continue to fund the Saskatoon Tribal Council to operate the drop-in centre at this location,” the city added.

Community support for shelter relocation

Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) Chief, Mark Arcand, had positive things to say about the potential to move the location of the centre.

The STC operates the drop-in facility.

Arcand said it’s “about time” this new location was selected.

“I’m encouraging the city council to actually make this purchase because I know the city has had a hard time trying to find a permanent location,” he said, calling the new location “a good thing.

“That’s too much for one neighborhood,” Arcand commented.

Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief, Mark Arcand, speaks to reporters at STC headquarters in Saskatoon on Feb. 19, 2026, about the city’s proposed relocation of the Avenue C drop-in warming centre. (Libby Gray/650 CKOM)

Arcand referenced concerns like overcrowding of homeless resources in the area of the Avenue C shelter, with the Salvation Army Crossroads residential services on the same street. The present Avenue C location also does not have a kitchen and only has two showers.

Arcand said what will be needed in the Idylwyld Drive building is an appropriate number of showers, laundry and a kitchen to properly feed people at the centre.

Just steps away from 130 Idylwyld is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saskatoon and the Saskatoon Indian and Métis Friendship Centre, resources that Arcand said relatives using the shelter in its new location would benefit from.

The Tribal Chief noted some concern about what will be done with the Avenue C building, highlighting the significant investment the city has made in that property. In October 2025, city council set the building cost at $805,000 to purchase the property and had allocated $200,000 for renovations.

“I would suggest to people, we need that as a backup plan for winter,” Arcand said, noting that homeless numbers in the city are continuing to grow.

Looking ahead to next winter, Arcand encouraged Saskatoon city council to work to have the new shelter, if approved, up and running by September this year.

“We’ve got to be ready,” Arcand said, drawing attention to the frigid winter temperatures that have returned to Saskatchewan this week.

Gordon Taylor, executive director for The Salvation Army Crossroads residential services in Saskatoon, agreed with Arcand, saying his main concern with the shelter being located on Avenue C was having an overcongestion of services.

“The more of these kinds of services that you gather in one area, the more it attracts predators, drug dealers, those types of things,” Taylor explained. “It’s better to have them spread out.

“I don’t think anyone disagreed with that.”

Taylor said he believed the intent of the Avenue C shelter was always “just until they found another location,” and that the city was continuing to look into alternative sites.

He said the shelter at Avenue C has been running “fairly smoothly,” crediting planning for the introduction of the shelter back in fall 2025 done by the city, fire department, and Saskatoon police. However, he said the full effect on the neighbourhood of a cluster of services will be better felt once winter ends.

“You wouldn’t really see the full impact until the warmer weather, I think. The colder weather itself helps to cut down on what’s happening out on the street, so the winter isn’t the best time to judge that stuff,” Taylor explained.

He said the entire situation remains a work in progress.

“All of us in this sector, along with the different levels of government, we’re trying to figure out what is the best way to address the different issues associated with homelessness.

“We’re learning as we go,” Taylor said.

He added that one of the major missing pieces in Saskatoon’s homelessness strategy is having a basic, year-round shelter for the city. However, until that happens, Taylor said all the pieces being put in place – including smaller shelters like the Avenue C drop-in warning centre – make a difference.

Taylor noted the close proximity to the Friendship Centre, noting that there is already some familiarity with homeless people in that area, but also said there could be drawbacks with having two major facilities so close to each other.

“Location always seems to be the most difficult piece in any of these programs,” Taylor said.

Saskatoon City Council will vote on the relocation of the centre on Wed, Feb. 25.

– With files from 650 CKOM’s Libby Gray