Saskatchewan is facing a crisis: "I’ve never seen it this bad," one advocate says, painting a stark picture of the challenges ahead as temperatures plummet. Warming centers across the province are bracing for an unprecedented surge in demand, leaving the most vulnerable individuals desperately seeking refuge from the life-threatening cold. But are these centers enough?
Just this past Monday, temperatures in some areas of Saskatchewan dipped below a frigid -20 degrees Celsius. Forecasters are predicting even more bone-chilling conditions, with wind chill values expected to make it feel like a staggering -40 degrees Celsius on Tuesday evening. Environment Canada is urgently warning residents about the heightened risk of frostbite under these extreme conditions.
And this is the part most people miss: the problem isn't just the cold. It's the growing number of people with nowhere to escape it.
Last week, Saskatoon released its annual Point-in-Time (PiT) count, a crucial snapshot of homelessness in the city on a single day. The results were alarming: a record high of 1,931 individuals experiencing homelessness. This figure sadly continues the upward trend observed in recent years. Regina, while yet to release its PiT count for this year, has also witnessed a similar increase in homelessness over the past decade. This raises a critical question: what systemic factors are driving this surge, and what long-term solutions can be implemented?
Both Saskatoon and Regina have a number of dedicated organizations and community groups stepping up to provide warming spaces as the deep freeze settles in. However, many of these groups are already reporting a significant increase in the number of people seeking their services.
Don Meikle, the executive director of EGADZ, a youth drop-in center, has been working in this field for 32 years. His candid assessment – "I’ve never seen it this bad" – underscores the severity of the situation. Meikle explains that the escalating need for assistance requires his organization to extend its operating hours and mobilize more staff than ever before. He highlights the unpredictable nature of extreme cold weather, stating, "It’s really hard to plan for extreme cold because our weather’s changes so fast and all the time. But we used to be out in the van three days a week, we’re now out in the van seven days a week."
The City of Saskatoon is responding to the crisis by planning to open a new warming center on Avenue C later this month. According to the city's planning and development department, the building, formerly a restaurant, is currently undergoing interior renovations to add essential facilities such as washrooms and updated lighting, along with other basic building improvements. Some minor exterior repairs are also planned. The maximum capacity for this new warming center is estimated to be 150 people.
But here's where it gets controversial... Is this new center enough? Will it be ready in time to meet the immediate needs of the homeless population?
In the interim, a temporary warming center opened on 23rd Street in early November, following interior and exterior renovations. Operated 24/7 by the Saskatoon Tribal Council, this center has a capacity of 100 people. The temporary space, located in the former Saskatoon Transportation Company bus terminal, has been serving on average 80 women daily. This highlights the disproportionate impact of homelessness on women, a factor often overlooked in broader discussions.
Other community organizations, such as Church in the Hood Ministries, are also actively involved in providing support. They operate a retrofitted school bus as a mobile warming space, offering a warm place to rest and a hot meal from 9 p.m. until the early hours of the morning. Ralph Nicotine, the founder of Church in the Hood Ministries, emphasizes the welcoming atmosphere on the bus: "When you come on the bus, you know you’re welcome here. You sit down, we offer you a bowl of soup, some tea, water, winter clothing, jackets, hats, a whole bunch of stuff." The red warming school bus is scheduled to resume its operations next week after undergoing minor repairs.
The situation in Saskatchewan raises profound questions about our collective responsibility to care for the most vulnerable members of our society. Are warming centers a sustainable solution, or are they merely a temporary fix for a much deeper problem? What more can be done to address the root causes of homelessness and ensure that everyone has access to safe and affordable housing? What are your thoughts? Share your opinions and experiences in the comments below. Let's start a conversation.
