Saskatoon Drop-In Centre Approved on Idylwyld Drive Despite Business Opposition
Despite significant pushback from area businesses, Saskatoon city council has given the green light for a new drop-in centre to be established at 130 Idylwyld Drive North, with operations set to begin this November. The decision comes after heated discussions during Wednesday's council meeting, where several business owners voiced strong concerns about the impact on their operations and community safety.
Business Owners Express Frustration Over Lack of Consultation
Kristine Wilkinson, co-owner of Prairie Optometry, purchased the neighbouring property on Idylwyld Drive in August 2025, believing the city planned to revitalize downtown Saskatoon. She invested over $200,000 in tenant improvements and renovations for her clinic, only to learn about the drop-in centre proposal later.
"Had a drop-in centre or homeless shelter been operating two doors down at that time, we would not have purchased the property or invested over $200,000 in tenant improvements and renovations for our clinic," Wilkinson told city council members during the meeting.
Wilkinson, who has been working in Saskatoon for 14 years, said she would consider moving her business elsewhere due to the centre's placement. She described how a temporary warming centre at the former Saskatoon Transportation Company bus terminal on 23rd Street last year created multiple issues for her business.
Safety Concerns and Financial Impacts
Employees at Prairie Optometry witnessed numerous problems during the temporary warming centre's operation, including:
- Human waste on their property
- Small fires being set nearby
- People huddling in doorways
- Discarded needles and personal items
"Operations were disrupted and employees felt unsafe," Wilkinson reported to council members.
The business incurred additional costs for security services and had to replace windows and doors that had been smashed. Several other business owners echoed similar concerns about not being properly consulted or notified about the centre being considered for their area.
Location Controversy and Planning Details
Tamara Bowman, owner of Metric Design, argued that "The wrong location is not compassionate" for either the community or those who would use the drop-in centre services.
The centre is currently operating out of a renovated former restaurant at 325 Avenue C South, directly beside the Salvation Army's Crossroads Residential Services shelter in Saskatoon's Riversdale neighbourhood. Concerns about that location had been raised by the Riversdale Business Improvement District, city councillors, and the Salvation Army itself.
City administration acknowledged they had notified some Idylwyld businesses about the location change but noted a tight turnaround time made proper communication challenging.
New Centre Specifications and Ongoing Questions
The new Idylwyld Drive facility will have capacity for 150 people when both bays of the building are in use. However, a vape shop currently occupies one of the bays and could potentially remain at that location until September 2028.
Many details about the centre remain unresolved, including:
- Whether it will specifically serve women
- If it will operate year-round
- What community safety measures will be implemented
- How ongoing business concerns will be addressed
The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between providing essential services for vulnerable populations and maintaining business viability in urban areas. As Saskatoon continues to address homelessness and social service needs, the Idylwyld Drive drop-in centre represents both a solution and a new set of challenges for the community.
