Hiring underway for complex needs shelters in Regina and Saskatoon

Shelters in Saskatoon and Regina aimed at serving people with complex needs are set to open once staff are hired. 

According to the province’s website, Edgewood Health Network Canada Inc. will run the 15-bed shelters in both cities “for individuals who are intoxicated and exhibiting behaviours that are likely to cause injury to themselves, or a danger or disturbance to the public.”

The Saskatoon shelter space, located in the Mayfair neighbourhood on Idylwyld Drive, was secured by the province last fall. The Regina facility will be located in the McNab neighbourhood, in the former Pioneer Village home.

The Ministries of Health, along with Corrections, Policing and Public  Safety announced Livings Skies Addiction and Mental Health Treatment by EHN Canada as the contractor for these services. 

According to a public statement on the provincial government website, the agreement was signed on Feb. 7, 2024.

Funding for the 2023-24 fiscal year will total $819,879, while in 2024-25 that will bump up to $9,653,411.

A statement from the province said, “Individuals will only be brought to the location, they cannot self-refer, and discharge planning will ensure individuals leaving the site are provided transportation to support services.”

While it’s unclear when either site will open, senior media relations consultant Dale Hunter said in a statement that the company is actively hiring. 

“The facility will open as soon as possible once this work is complete,” it read. 

On its website, EHN Canada lists openings in both Regina and in Saskatoon for licensed practical nurses, security officers, mental health and addictions treatment support workers and counsellors. 

In late November 2022, Saskatoon city councillors voted 10 to one to allow the complex needs shelter to operate for 18 months, after hearing from concerned residents and business owners.