Community-Safety and Well-Being is an overarching way of working, and The City of Prince Albert are supporting multiple projects and conversations across the community:
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Complex Needs Emergency Facility Q and A from the Gov of Saskatchewan |
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Please download the document here.
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| Establishing a Complex Needs Facility in Prince Albert |
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Public Information Summary
A Complex Needs Facility (referred to by the Province of Saskatchewan as a Complex Needs Emergency Shelter) is a 24/7 care facility that provides a safe, supported environment for individuals in crisis—especially those who are intoxicated or experiencing severe mental health challenges and are causing disturbances in the community. It is not a traditional homeless shelter, although some people who use the facility may also experience homelessness.
Why Prince Albert Needs a Complex Needs Facility
Timeline of Key ActionsThe following timeline outlines the City's role in advancing a Complex Needs Facility, based on research, community input, and collaboration with the Province and partners. Fall 2021The City of Prince Albert, with support from the Living Skies Centre for Social Inquiry and the Community Advisory Board on Homelessness, launched the Homelessness Action Initiative to identify long-term solutions to homelessness and its impacts. November 2022Dr. Chad Nilson presented a recommendation to Council calling for: 1) A 24-hour shelter for basic needs, and 2) A mandatory intervention facility for individuals experiencing chronic and acute risk—what is now referred to as a Complex Needs Facility. October 2023The City hired a Community Safety and Well-Being Coordinator and applied for a federal grant to support a Complex Needs Facility. (The application was unsuccessful.) July 2024The Province of Saskatchewan opened two Complex Needs Emergency Shelters: one in Regina, one in Saskatoon. August 2024The Mayor’s Office formally wrote to relevant provincial ministers requesting that Prince Albert be considered for a Complex Needs Facility. December 2024The City submitted another grant application to fund mobile complex needs services to support people across Prince Albert. January 2025City representatives spoke publicly in media, reiterating that Prince Albert should be a priority location for a Complex Needs Facility. One of the recurring themes that emerged from the public consultations on the enhanced emergency shelter, was alternatives, including a complex needs facility. March 2025The Provincial Budget allocated $6 million to expand Complex Needs Emergency Shelters to more Saskatchewan communities—including Prince Albert. The City began formal discussions with the Province. June 23, 2025City Council gave first reading to Bylaw No. 15 of 2025, which would allow 'Special Care Facility' as a permitted use in the downtown commercial zoning district. July 2025City staff met with local business representatives about the proposed location. No concerns were raised. A public notice about the development permit was issued along with a Q&A from the province explaining how the facility will operate. Administration also reached out to businesses in Saskatoon close to the complex needs facility there, and feedback from them was positive. On July 21, Council considered the Development Permit for 99 9th Street East. The discussion was deferred to the Executive Committee on August 11. Next Steps
A Community-Based, Safety-Driven SolutionThis initiative is the result of years of research, community consultation, and partnership between municipal and provincial governments. The City remains committed to:
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| Establishing a Permanent Emergency Shelter in Prince Albert |
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A Public Overview
For several years, housing providers, the Province of Saskatchewan, and the City of Prince Albert have worked together to identify a suitable, permanent location for an emergency shelter. The new enhanced emergency shelter will be designed to provide up to 45 beds, and will offer 24/7 access, three daily meals, health care services, mental health and addiction support, case management that addresses the specific needs of a client, and support transitioning to stable housing. The following timeline outlines key actions taken, conversations held, and decisions made throughout this process. This summary is intended to keep the public informed, support accountability, and clarify the facts behind the City's decisions. Spring 2024 – Shelter Planning and Site Exploration BeginsMarch 2024: A working group was formed between the YWCA, the Province, and City Administration to explore shelter site options and begin community outreach. April 2, 2024: The Province formally requested City support to endorse a permanent shelter location. April 2024: The YWCA proposed 1525 5th Avenue East as a potential site. April 17, 2024: City Administration met with nearby business owners. Due to strong opposition from the business community, the YWCA withdrew this site. Summer 2024 – Public Dialogue and Downtown ConsiderationsMay 2024: The City and YWCA issued a joint media release to inform the public and begin gathering input. The City explored the potential of building on City-owned land. July 2024: The YWCA met with the Prince Albert Downtown Business Improvement District (PADBID). PADBID raised concerns about locating the shelter downtown. City staff also met with downtown business owners who expressed concerns about service concentration and existing social challenges. The YWCA launched a “Yes In My Backyard” (YIMBY) campaign and hosted two community luncheons for feedback. Fall 2024 – First Shelter Application and Multi-Agency SupportSeptember 13, 2024: The YWCA submitted a Development Permit application for 420 18th Street West. The application did not proceed through Council due to lack of a seconder for the motion. Feedback from this process emphasized concerns about residential proximity and a preference not to exclude downtown options too quickly. November 29, 2024: At a meeting hosted by Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC), multiple partners — including PAGC, the City, the YWCA, Métis Nation–Saskatchewan, and the Province — passed a unanimous motion supporting collaboration on a permanent shelter. Winter 2025 – Citywide Public ConsultationDecember 16, 2024: City Council passed a resolution to gather public feedback across Prince Albert. January 2025: Four in-person public consultations were held at three city locations. Over 500 people attended. Eleven recurring themes emerged from community feedback: 1. Security January 29–February 5: A citywide online survey received 1,650 responses. After removing responses from non-residents, 1,521 valid responses remained. The sample provided a margin of error of ±2.5%, ensuring statistically reliable results. Spring 2025 – Public Input Shapes Next StepsResults from consultations and surveys were analyzed. A scoring matrix evaluated potential sites. Top four sites included: • 11 15th Street East (City-owned) – 14 points • 111 18th Street West (City-owned) – 12 points • 1525 5th Avenue East (for sale) – 11 points • Close to existing Stepping Stones Shelter – 11 points March 3, 2025: Results presented to Council and referred to the March 24 Executive Committee. March 24, 2025: Motion passed directing Administration to: 1. Negotiate with the Province and YWCA to locate the shelter near the current site; 2. Bring forward a Development Permit for Council consideration.
May 15: Provision of services at the temporary shelter transition from the YWCA to Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC). The shelter is renamed from Stepping Stones to Our Relatives Lodge. Summer 2025 – Decision and Approval of Shelter SiteJune 9, 2025: The Executive Committee passed a motion to prepare necessary agreements to establish a permanent shelter at the southeast corner of City Yards (650 Exhibition Drive): • Sale agreement June 23, 2025: City Council approved the sale of one acre at 650 Exhibition Drive to Saskatchewan Housing Corporation for $1, and the subdivision of land. July 17, 2025: The Collaborative Shelter Support Team is established to ensure a collaborative response to emerging safety concerns, reduce service disruptions, and strengthen support for shelter clients and nearby residents. The group includes representatives from the Prince Albert Grand Council, Prince Albert Police Service, Prince Albert Fire Department, City of Prince Albert, Province of Saskatchewan, and the Prince Albert Exhibition Association. Looking AheadThis process reflects a wide-ranging, transparent effort to involve residents, respond to concerns, and make evidence-based decisions. The City is committed to continued engagement, ensuring that Prince Albert’s permanent emergency shelter is safe, effective, and built in collaboration with the community. |
| The Community Solutions Forum and Action Tables |
Learn more about the forum and how to participate here. |
| The Hub Table |
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In Saskatchewan, Hub Tables bring representatives from various government ministries, community agencies, First Nations governments, and Tribal Councils together. These groups work together to make communities safer by identifying individuals at high risk of crisis and connecting them to appropriate services early, reducing the need for emergency responses.
The first Hub Table in the province was in Prince Albert, starting in February 2011, and it has handled around 2,500 cases. However, in November 2023, the Hub Steering Group suggested pausing the Prince Albert table due to staffing issues affecting participation.
The City is working with the Hub Steering Group and testing a new Hub Coordinator model. |
| Community Investment Grants |
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The City’s proposal for the Community Safety and Well-Being Initiative included funding for one-time community investment opportunities to support pilot programs aimed at addressing service provision gaps specifically related to gang and gun violence. To date, $175,637 has been invested in community programs throughout Prince Albert. Based on data collected from community-led consultations and a review of international evidence, the following needs were identified for investment in 2023-2024:
The following organizations received funding:
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