SASKATOON — Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block says she understands the enormous task her administration is facing on issues like homelessness, crime, addiction and mental health, but she remains optimistic that city council can provide solutions with the help of the provincial and federal governments.
Block, a former journalist who was elected as the city’s first female chief executive in the November municipal elections, addressed the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce on the above topics and answered questions from local media on May 14 at the Upper Salon at TCU Place.
“I'm a bit impatient when moving forward with things we know can help. But it does require a lot of co-ordination. It involves relationship-building with a wide range of individuals, whether in other branches of government or the business community,” said Block.
“We're working urgently in that direction, and I'll have more to say about that in the days and weeks ahead as we try to figure out a way not to keep repeating a way of delivering help to our community that isn't working.”
She added that the federal government’s Housing Accelerator Fund is one way for cities like Saskatoon to address homelessness, with 1,499 individuals — based on the December point-in-time count — experiencing homelessness. The provincial government is also doing its share in addressing the addiction and overdose crisis.
“I’m encouraged by the HAF and what it can mean for our city. It would greatly help, as 757 units could house at least 1,400 people. That would be an enormous help for the folks who are either homeless or otherwise unable to get into a home, and perhaps living with relatives,” said Block.
She noted that she also grateful to the province for commitment to the recovery programs.
Block said she believes housing should be prioritized for individuals who have addiction and mental health problems and want to go into treatment, while also finding ways to support those who are still struggling to change their lifestyles.
“In my view, it's housing. It's the only model that works. If we say to somebody, 'You can have a roof over your head only when you do these things,' that hasn't ever worked. I think we would serve ourselves well by trying a different model. From my perspective, consider a longer-term approach to ensure people have a place to be,” Block added.
“In my best-case scenario, we start to get more of this housing on stream quickly. We will move forward quickly by constructing additional homeless shelters. And hopefully, in time, we won't need the types of resources we currently use for warming centres.”
