Encampment removal in Saskatoon ‘very sad,’ but necessary, advocate says
Thursday's removal of a Saskatoon encampment at 20th Street and Avenue K South has left many residents seeking resources from Saskatoon outreach groups, they say.
The removal of a Saskatoon encampment earlier this week was deemed both upsetting and necessary by a local outreach advocate. The city of Saskatoon decided to dismantle the encampment on city-owned property at 20th Street and Avenue K South, resulting in 120 people leaving the site and 80 tents being removed. Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI) president Shirley Isbister expressed sadness over the encampment's removal, citing safety concerns due to violence, alcohol, and drug use.
In response to the encampment's removal, many residents of CUMFI found shelter at the nonprofit's Mobile Housing and Community Resource Centre Bus, which offers Wi-Fi and housing resources. However, Isbister noted that many people are still not ready to be housed due to the cold weather, as the charity's facilities are set to close at the end of the month.
Meanwhile, volunteer group Bridge City Warmth assisted in finding housing for five people following the encampment's dismantling, highlighting the numerous barriers individuals face when seeking housing.
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