Residents and business leaders in Saskatoon are raising concerns about the lack of buffer zones between shelters and daycares, following the approval of a drop-in centre located across the street from a new YWCA daycare. The issue was discussed during Tuesday's governance and priorities committee meeting at Saskatoon City Hall.
Community Concerns
Shawna Nelson, executive director of the Downtown Business Improvement District, described the current situation near the drop-in centre on Avenue C, noting open drug use, intoxicated individuals, blocked business entrances, and encampments with garbage. "This is reality today, and it is what is going to occur on the steps of the YWCA daycare if council does not act," she said.
Sara Wheelwright, founder of Trusted Saskatoon, a company that promotes local businesses, highlighted that the new drop-in centre at 130 Idylwyld Drive North will be just 30 steps from the YWCA daycare at 140 Wall Street. The daycare location was established before the shelter location was chosen. Wheelwright noted that the daycare has "big, beautiful windows" facing the drop-in centre.
Buffer Zone Proposals
The discussion centered on potential buffer zones that would prevent shelters from being developed near daycares, as well as increased security around shelters. Currently, Saskatoon has a buffer zone preventing shelters within 250 metres of schools. Nelson argued that if the school buffer zone aims to protect children, other child services like daycares should be included, along with senior living complexes.
Wheelwright stated that council's 2023 decision to create the school buffer zone shows the city understands the importance of shelter locations, "yet the criteria currently used to evaluate these locations do not reflect that." The city uses a long list of criteria for shelter locations, including building size, location, and proximity to public transit.
Challenges in Finding Locations
Lesley Anderson, the city's director of planning and development, said it has been difficult to find suitable shelter locations, let alone locations where children won't be exposed to homelessness-related issues. The report to the committee showed the current buffer zone and how much more area would be covered if daycares were added.
Coun. Bev Dubois noted that the province operates these shelters and regulates many city daycares. Administration confirmed that the city has not communicated with the province about daycare buffer zones, leading to a motion to do so, which passed. The motion also called for research on how other cities have addressed this issue.
Wheelwright argued that services like drop-in centres and shelters should not be placed near businesses like daycares, as these services conflict with other businesses in the area. The drop-in centre is scheduled to open in November.
