Saskatoon Ward 3 City Coun. David Kirton is worried because a local shelter stopped allowing in some of its most difficult clients.. David Kirton Pride .“I’m concerned for the whole community, and not just for a neighbourhood,” said Kirton..Mark Arcand, who runs Saskatoon's 106-bed Emergency Wellness Centre, said they will be stricter with people who use drugs and break rules at the Fairhaven building..Arcand stated this might mean some of the most difficult guests at the wellness centre could be banned for a significant long-term time period..Kirton said that everyone involved needs to work together and make a plan because time is running out..“We need to get together. We need the departments within the city to get together with the various ministries of the provincial government and the agencies who work with those unhoused,” said Kirton..“We need to sit together for I don’t know, two days, and really hammer out what would be a reasonable plan.”.Kirton mentioned that the justice system should be part of those talks..“I’m not just talking about the ministries of social services and health from the provincial government. I’m also talking about corrections and justice,” said Kirton..“They need to be at that table as well because they have to be part of that plan. But the time frame is not on our side anymore.”.Kirton stated there could be news from the provincial government in the next few weeks about the challenges faced by Saskatoon and other cities in the province..“Maybe some new facilities? We’ve been asking the provincial government to fund facilities for people with complex needs and that still hasn’t happened,” said Kirton..Kirton mentioned last year, there were around 100 people in the city who had complex needs. They were struggling with drug problems and were finding it hard to seek or accept help..“I would suggest that the number could’ve easily doubled by now,” said Kirton. .“There are so many people who are homeless who are moving into the city because this is where the services are.”
