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“The EWS is designed to ensure designated cooling spaces are in place for Saskatoon’s homeless population, greatly reducing their risk of heat exposure-related illnesses during the summer months,” SHIP said on its website. SHIP Communications Manager Andrea Ledding said Environment Canada had informed them it would get hotter in the coming days with temperatures reaching as high as 39 degrees Celsius on Friday, July 2, the second day of a four-day Canada Day weekend. She added that the hot temperatures would continue even in the nighttime. She added that SHIP, like several other non-profit organizations operating in the city, will be closed during the Canada Day weekend.
Posted: Jun 15, 2021 5:51 PM CT | Last Updated: June 15
Extreme heat poses a threat to Saskatoon s homeless population. People are encouraged to seek shelter at cooldown locations that provide shade and water. (CBC)
A heat warning has been issued for Saskatoon in light of Tuesday s temperature getting above 30 C.
As homeless people in the city find themselves at risk from the extreme heat, the Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) is working in partnership with several locations in the city to provide people seeking relief with shelter and water.
Some of the locations include Westside Community Clinic, Cumfi, Paved Arts, EGADZ, the Friendship Inn, Prairie Harm Reduction, the Salvation Army and the Lighthouse Supported Living.
Jason Mercredi outside Saskatoon s safe consumption site. (Brady Lang/650 CKOM)
For the second straight year, it was a no from the Saskatchewan government.
That’s the reality that now faces Prairie Harm Reduction (PHR), the lone safe consumption site in Saskatchewan. The organization was left out of the provincial budget cycle for the second straight year.
That isn’t sitting well with PHR executive director Jason Mercredi, who spoke to 650 CKOM around 30 minutes after the budget was released Tuesday.
“This budget has done nothing to stop people from dying …,” Mercredi said.
“(We’re) definitely shocked. It’s definitely disappointing. It stings a bit.”