The permanent shelter is owned by the City and managed and operated by Regina Treaty/Status Indian Services (RT/SIS).
The New Beginnings shelter has capacity for 50 people.
This project is a collaboration between the City of Regina, Government of Canada, Province of Saskatchewan and RT/SIS. The permanent shelter will help address the urgent need for low-barrier shelter spaces for people experiencing houselessness in Regina.
The enhanced emergency shelter will operate on a first-come, first-served basis providing clients with the following services:
- Full access to shelter (24 hours a day, seven days a week)
- Three meals per day
- Case planning
- Access to wrap-around support to address wellness and cultural needs
The City is proud to continue to play its role, alongside the provincial government, community-based organizations and our community as a whole, to ensure the enhanced shelter remains available for those who need it, all year round.
Working collaboratively with other levels of government and community partners to improve safety and well-being for all residents is a priority for the City.
Find commonly asked questions and answers about the enhanced emergency shelter.
When did the enhanced emergency shelter become operational?
The enhanced emergency shelter became operational on July 28, 2025.
How many people will the shelter serve?
The shelter provides 50 beds for people experiencing houselessness in Regina and can be expanded by 5 to a total of 55 beds in emergency situations.
What is included in the space?
This space is 10,000 square feet, which includes an eating and socializing area, a group program room, eight washrooms (three accessible and one staff) and a fully functional commercial kitchen complete with freezer and cooler. The building is zoned as Industrial Light (IL) and the shelter is classified as a Humanitarian Service Institution, which is a permitted use in the IL zone. The new shelter is located in the northwest corner of the Heritage neighbourhood and is within close proximity to public transit and a range of community-based service providers.
Who will operate the shelter space?
The enhanced emergency shelter is operated by RT/SIS who had been operating the temporary shelter.
What is the cost of this project and how would it be funded?
The cost of the new shelter is approximately $6.8 million. This includes the purchase and renovation of 1600 Halifax Street and renovation work to return the current shelter location (at the Nest) to its original condition, as per the lease agreement.
The funding sources are as follows:
- $3 million from the Federal Transit and Housing Fund
- $1.1 million for capital costs from the Federal Unsheltered Homelessness and Encampment Initiative
- Up to $3 million forgivable loan from the Government of Saskatchewan.
What specific services and support will the new shelter provide to residents facing houselessness?
The enhanced shelter plays a key role as an entry point into the housing continuum, providing emergency housing and support services intended to transition residents into more stable forms of housing. RT/SIS aims first and foremost to stabilize clients and connect them with ongoing community support services. The programming meets individuals where they are by creating a low barrier, safe and welcoming environment that supports clients with a coordinated, wrap-around approach.
Additional services provided by RT/SIS include general practitioners, addictions programming (i.e. Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Crystal Meth Anonymous), one-on-one counselling sessions including referrals to detox centers and treatment facilities and referrals to mental health therapists.
In addition, RT/SIS makes referrals to other community-based support agencies such as Mental Health Services, Overdose Prevention, COAST, Coordinated Access Regina, Salvation Army, YWCA Regina, Regina Street Team, Ministry of Social Services and Mobile Crisis Services Regina.
What are the long-term operational costs to the City for the shelter once it is up and running, and how will they be managed?
The estimated operating costs for utilities, maintenance, security, cleaning and insurance for the shelter are $30,000 per month. These costs are funded through existing budgets.
How will the success of the shelter be measured and reported to the public?
As operator and service provider for the shelter, RT/SIS monitors data as it relates to community impact and overall success of the space. RT/SIS reports directly to the Province of Saskatchewan. The Community Well-being branch of the City of Regina will report back to Council in 2026.
How will the City address concerns from neighbouring businesses and residents about the shelter?
A Good Neighbour Plan was created through a highly collaborative approach that the City led alongside RT/SIS, Fire and Protective Services, Regina Police Service, Saskatchewan Health Authority, the Regina Street Team and neighbouring businesses. The Good Neighbour Plan includes processes and resources for handling concerns. The City is committed to information sharing with stakeholders as the project progresses.
Is there a screening process for checking into the shelter?
Upon entering the shelter, individuals must go through a screening process. During this time, they are required to surrender any prohibited items to security. Once the screening is complete, a transitional worker will assist residents with registration and placement into their designated area. Once residents leave the facility, all personal assets are returned to the resident.
Is there any reason a person wouldn’t be allowed to stay in the shelter?
If an individual is unable to stay at the shelter for any reason, RT/SIS staff will coordinate with other shelters in Regina to help find a suitable placement.
Will there be security?
RT/SIS will be operating the shelter and will be responsible for all internal security services for a 24/7 presence in the building. The building has been designed and constructed to include security features such as screening rooms, surveillance and utilized Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles throughout its creation.
How was this space chosen?
City Administration reviewed 94 sites. This space was the best fit for rapid conversion into a functioning permanent emergency shelter.
Are there plans to have more City-owned permanent shelters in Regina?
No, the City only owns New Beginnings and does not have plans for any more permanent shelters.
