The City of Moose Jaw is attempting to work with the provincial government to ensure residents who are vulnerable or impoverished don’t slip through the cracks during the pandemic.
Mayor Fraser Tolmie, chair of the big city mayors’ caucus in Saskatchewan, recently wrote a letter on behalf of the group to Premier Scott Moe asking that the province take action to help at-risk residents most affected by the coronavirus pandemic, such as the homeless.
Those four actions include:
- increasing funding support for urban Aboriginal populations;
- approving “block funding” for existing shelters to allow clients to be separated and physically-distanced in their buildings;
- implementing hotel-based shelter operations in collaboration with front-line agencies, Saskatchewan Health Authority, and the provincial government;
- resolving confusion about reporting processes, wait-times, available resources, and options for alternate hotel accommodations and costs.
During the City of Moose Jaw’s April 9 teleconference pandemic update, media asked Tolmie whether city hall would consider using municipal-owned buildings that are currently closed — such as YaraCentre and Mosaic Place — to house at-risk and homeless residents and help save their lives.
“This is obviously an urgent and emergent issue,” the mayor said. “One of the challenges that not only we face as a municipality, but also the province is facing, is the restrictions being put in place right now are to help those that are most vulnerable. In this situation, this can create a knock-on effect where others in our community can become vulnerable.”
City hall has spoken with the provincial government — including the ministries of Social Services and Health — about working together and ensuring the premier knows of the challenges the community faces, Tolmie continued. That was the intent of the letter: to inform the province of the challenges the large cities face.
While Tolmie has not received a response from the province yet, he knows this is an issue that will be discussed regularly.
One media outlet pointed out the municipality could take direct action to address this issue. With buildings such as YaraCentre, Mosaic Place and the Kinsmen Centre, it would be possible to isolate people in the building; move in bunkbeds; and allow occupants to use the showers and commercial kitchens.
“Those are great suggestions,” Tolmie said.
However, what needs to be recognized is the Ministry of Social Services has oversight to help people who are homeless or destitute, he continued. Moose Jaw is speaking with other communities to see how they are helping the poor and homeless during the pandemic.
The next city council meeting is Monday, April 13, but the media has been locked out from attending the meeting in person.
