Proposed Relocation of the Ave C 24/7 Permanent Drop-In Centre to 130 Idylwyld Drive North
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 24, 2026
Downtown Saskatoon Business Improvement District
Shawna Nelson
Executive Director
[email protected]
306-664-0709
SASKATOON, SK – Downtown Saskatoon Business Improvement District expresses significant concerns regarding the proposed relocation of the Avenue C 24/7/365 Permanent Drop-In Centre to 130 Idylwyld Drive North in Saskatoon.
Downtown Saskatoon recognizes the urgent need for coordinated, compassionate support for Saskatoon’s unhoused population and values evidence-based approaches that improve safety, dignity, and wellbeing. However, solutions must align with the City’s planning frameworks and safeguard the long-term sustainability of our economic and cultural core.
“Compassion and good planning must go hand in hand,” says Executive Director Shawna Nelson. “This proposed relocation raises serious concerns about alignment with the City’s vision and the future of our downtown businesses and its residents.”
Downtown Saskatoon’s concerns fall into three areas when making this decision:
1. The Proposed Site Does Not Meet the City’s Own Criteria
City administration has stated the new site was selected based on proximity to shelters, food programs, and social supports. However, the Idylwyld location does not meet these criteria as effectively as the existing Avenue C site or other potential alternatives.
The Avenue C location was purchased and renovated for approximately one million following a full due-diligence process. No evidence has been presented to suggest it is unsuitable. Moving away from a purpose-built site raises questions about transparency, decision making, and long-term planning – particularly when the new location is estimated to require nearly two million dollars in additional investment.
Council previously expressed concern about the Ave C Women’s Drop-In Centre, being located beside the Salvation Army men’s shelter. Yet City administration has stated that 130 Idylwyld building is “flexible and adaptable” with its two bays, where one can be used for women and one for men. This rationale appears inconsistent with Council’s earlier direction to seek alternative locations for the Ave C Women’s Drop-in Centre.
2. The Proposed Location Introduces Disproportionate Risk to the Downtown Core The 130 Idylwyld Drive North site:
- It is one block from the future Downtown Event & Entertainment District, one of the City’s proposed biggest ever investments intended to drive economic growth and tourism.
- Sits along one of Saskatoon’s busiest and most visible transportation corridors (3000 vehicles per day).
- It is surrounded by active businesses, hospitality facilities, health and wellness services.
- t is directly across from a nonprofit childcare facility, with an outdoor playground that has invested over one million to create much needed 90 childcare spaces.
“With the uncertainty around what operating model will be used at the 130 Idylwyld location, there is significant concern of the close proximity to our most vulnerable – children under the age of six”, says Nelson. “It is irresponsible to introduce unnecessary risk to an area, where the City was fully aware of these sensitivities before this location became an option. It is unfair to place one essential community service at risk to deliver another.”
Despite these factors:
- There has been no meaningful consultation with the Downtown Saskatoon BID, adjacent businesses, property owners, or the childcare provider.
- Communication occurred three business days before the public announcement, with limited detail.
- No public risk assessment has evaluated compatibility between a 24/7 drop-in centre and a childcare facility serving young children.
Nelson adds “The City applies a 250-metre buffer between shelters and schools. It is unclear why similar protective consideration is not being applied to a childcare service serving 90 children under the age of six, who will be playing steps away in an outdoor playground.”
3. The Process Lacks Transparency and Demonstrated Due Diligence
The rationale for abandoning Avenue C has not been clearly communicated.
To date:
- No comparative site analysis has been shared.
- No evidence has been presented that the Avenue C location is unworkable.
- The accelerated timeline appears driven by funding deadlines rather than a strategic, community-ready plan.
The proposed relocation would require approximately two million in additional investment without:
- A clear, evidence-based rationale for the change.
- A comprehensive impact assessment addressing businesses, residents, visitors, and existing City planning initiatives.
- Meaningful engagement with directly affected stakeholders.
“A decision of this magnitude requires consultation, clarity, and accountability. Those conditions have not yet been met,” says Nelson. “Downtown Saskatoon remains committed to collaborative solutions that address people experiencing homelessness while protecting economic vitality, public safety, and long-term success for the district’s businesses, property owners, employees, residents and visitors.”
About Downtown Saskatoon Business Improvement District:
Downtown Saskatoon Business Improvement District is the voice for 1000 plus businesses and property owners, 18,000 employees, 3000 residents and countless visitors. We lead with purpose – championing entrepreneurs and businesses of every kind to create a thriving, welcoming and resilient city centre.
Download the full press release here.
For more information:
Global News Article | CTV News Article | 650 CKOM Report | 650 CKOM Article | CBC News Report