Saskatchewan communities preparing cold weather strategies

Communities across Saskatchewan are preparing to help people experiencing homelessness deal with winter.

In a media release Wednesday, the provincial government said it’s working with organizations in Saskatoon and Regina to implement their cold weather strategies to make sure people who need warm places to stay and supports during the winter get that help. Communities that don’t have official cold weather strategies also provide that assistance.

“Cold weather strategies effectively co-ordinate community services and resources so everyone in need of shelter has a safe, warm place to stay and access to services,” Social Services Minister Gene Makowsky said in the release.

“The Ministry of Social Services will continue to work with partners across the province to ensure services and supports, including shelter spaces, are available throughout the province this winter.”

Communities in the province already have set records for temperatures during the current cold snap. Shelters across Saskatchewan always have concerns about keeping the homeless population warm when the mercury falls, and the the Ministry of Social Services connects with them to make sure spaces, food and other supports are available.

“Our community-based organizations have worked together for several years to help reduce the impact extreme cold weather can have on homeless and vulnerable folks in Saskatoon,” Pamela Goulden-McLeod, the Saskatoon Fire Department’s director of emergency planning, said in the release.

“Saskatoon’s Extreme Cold Weather Strategy is activated when temperatures dip below -30 degrees. This way the regular winter support operations of community partners can be boosted by extending hours of operation or by enhancing outreach services.”

“It’s important that people who need a safe and warm place to stay have access to those supports,” added Kim Olsen, the City of Regina’s emergency preparedness and business continuity manager. “The City of Regina recognizes the value of our partnerships with community-based organizations to help keep all residents safe during the coldest months of the year.”

Anyone who needs shelter can contact their local Income Assistance Service Centre for help from Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For support after hours or on weekends, they can contact Mobile Crisis Services in Regina and Prince Albert, the Salvation Army in Saskatoon, and the RCMP in other communities.

In early October, the province announced it was working with community organizations to create 120 new permanent emergency shelter spaces across the province. An investment of $14.1 million is to ensure there are approximately 500 emergency shelter spaces available in communities across Saskatchewan this winter.