Downtown Saskatoon is a vibrant and diverse district that welcomes residents, workers, and visitors every day. As part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring a safe, inclusive, and thriving city centre, the Downtown Saskatoon Business Improvement District (BID) has submitted a formal letter to the City of Saskatoon regarding the newly announced temporary 24-hour women’s warm-up centre at the former Bus Depot on 23rd Street East.

Our letter expresses support for the City’s efforts to protect vulnerable residents during the winter months, while also raising serious concerns about the process, location, and operational oversight of this facility. The BID believes that meaningful consultation, transparent planning, and strong accountability measures are essential to ensuring the centre’s success and to maintaining the safety, cleanliness, and vitality of the downtown core.

We have outlined a series of practical recommendations to help City Council and Administration balance compassion with responsibility – ensuring that critical social supports can coexist harmoniously within a healthy, prosperous downtown environment.

Here is the full text of our letter to the Mayor and City Council.