Saskatoon Reports 90 Encampment Fires as Temperatures Plunge, Safety Concerns Rise

Based on coverage from CBC, Global News, CKOM, Winnipeg Sun, and SaskToday.

Saskatoon is grappling with a growing crisis as the number of homeless encampments in the city has more than tripled since 2021. With temperatures dropping, the Saskatoon Fire Department is urging residents to report these encampments to connect individuals with necessary resources and prevent fire-related incidents. The city is facing a complex challenge, balancing safety concerns with the urgent need for adequate shelter.

Rising Number of Encampments in Saskatoon

The latest point-in-time count indicates a record high of 1,931 people experiencing homelessness in Saskatoon, up from 1,499 last year. Deputy Chief Yvonne Raymer of the Saskatoon Fire Department reports that over 325 encampments have been cleared this year alone. The department is currently dealing with a backlog of about 90 reports, resulting in a response time of five to seven days for each new report. Raymer emphasizes the importance of reporting encampments to ensure that individuals can be connected with appropriate resources.

Safety Concerns and Fire Risks

In the past two months, there have been 90 fires at encampments, with some incidents nearly resulting in fatalities. The use of makeshift heating sources like propane heaters and butane torches poses significant risks. Raymer highlights that while no fatalities have occurred yet, the potential for disaster is high. The fire department is working to prevent such incidents by offering transportation to shelters, warm-up centres, or hotels for those displaced from encampments.

Community Response and Advocacy

Advocates and community members are calling for immediate solutions to the homelessness crisis. At a rally outside city hall, attendees demanded more shelters and warming centres. David Fineday, a supporter of the unhoused, criticized the city's approach, arguing that moving people into full shelters only pushes them into more dangerous situations. He and others are advocating for designated encampment sites as a temporary solution to prevent people from freezing to death.

Challenges of Centralized Encampments

The city has pushed back against the idea of large, centralized encampments, citing safety risks such as fires, disease outbreaks, and violence. Raymer notes that managing sanctioned encampments can cost municipalities millions of dollars, as seen in other Canadian cities like Halifax and Edmonton. The fire department's consultations revealed that these encampments often lead to increased crime and health hazards, making them an unsustainable solution.

Long-Term Solutions and Prevention

Gary Beaudin from United Way Saskatoon stresses the need for long-term solutions, including improving graduation rates and employment opportunities for Indigenous people, expanding mental health supports, and increasing access to affordable housing. The city plans to develop an updated Encampment Response Plan, coordinating efforts among various organizations and government bodies to address the growing homelessness issue.

While the Saskatoon Fire Department continues to manage the immediate risks associated with encampments, the broader challenge of homelessness requires a comprehensive approach. As winter sets in, the urgency for effective solutions becomes even more critical.

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