Concerns about conditions surrounding warm-up shelters in Prince Albert were raised at city council this week, with councillors pointing to complaints from nearby residents and safety concerns in the area.
The current warm-up shelter is being operated out of the Union Centre on 8th Street East by the Salvation Army following a fire that destroyed its downtown facility on Christman Day. The previous location had served as the city’s primary overnight warming space, and services were relocated before moving to the Union Centre earlier this year.
During the inquiries portion of Monday’s concil meeting, Ward 1 Coun. Daniel Brown said he had been contacted by residents about issues around shelter, particularly in mornings.
“Had some residents reaching out with concerns around the warm up shelter,” Brown said. “What can be done about the conditions around the warm up center in the morning, with the littering, defecating on sidewalks, fires over in the dental building across the street. Can the police attend when residents call, or how do we deal with this?”
The concerns prompted a response from administration, which said residents are encouraged to report issues so they can be addressed.
“If there’s any concerns that residents have, we would encourage them to contact our office or to submit a bylaw concern online, and we would have somebody, one of our bylaw officers, go to address it,” said acting community development director Michael Nelson.
Nelson added the city would also follow up internally and with operators connected to the shelter.
“I will follow up with our community safety well being manager and see if there’s some conversations that can be had with the operators of the warm up shelter,” he said.
The discussion continued later in the meeting, when Ward 6 Coun. Blake Edwards raised addititional concerns, including issues reported publicly and potential impacts on facilities such as the Public library, the daytime warm-up location.
“The library raised some safety concerns in the media about the warm up shelter and the danger that has posed to some staff,” Edwards said. “It concerns me a little bit that we see that in the media before we see that in council.”
Edwards questioned whether the city is reviewing the situation and what options may exist moving forward.
“I’m wondering if we are looking into this and what our plans are. Will we look to close this as a warm up shelter if the dangers do exist?” he said.
He also expressed concern about the use of shared spaces and potential risks.
“If we are open as a library, to use it as a warm up shelter, and it’s causing harm or potential harm to our staff, I’m concerned about it,” Edwards said.
No immediate decision were made during the meeting, as inquries are typically used to request information or direction from administration rather than take action.
However, the discussion reflects ongoing challenges in balancing emergency shelter needs with concerns from surrounding residents and nearby services.
Administration is expected to follow up on the concerns and may provide further information or recommendations at a future council meeting.
arjun.pillai@paherald.sk.ca
