March 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.

May 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.

September 13: The YWCA submitted a Development Permit application for 420 18th Street West. The application did not proceed to Council due to lack of a seconder.

Feedback from this process emphasized concerns about residential proximity and a preference not to exclude downtown options too quickly.

November 29: 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.

December 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
2. Accessibility
3. Support or opposition to specific sites
4. Shelter transparency
5. Amenities and services
6. Citywide solutions
7. Alternatives to shelters
8. The urgency of the issue

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.

Results 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: Results presented to Council and referred to the March 24 Executive Committee.

March 24: 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.

June 9: 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
• Subdivision application
• Contract zoning
• Development permit
• Servicing agreement

June 23: City Council approved the sale of one acre at 650 Exhibition Drive to Saskatchewan Housing Corporation for $1, and the subdivision of land.