The Government of Saskatchewan, City of Regina, Regina Treaty/Status Indian Services (RT/SIS) and The Nest Health Centre are collaborating on the initiative in response to an immediate need as existing shelters face capacity issues.
The temporary winter shelter is leased by the City and will be managed and operated by RT/SIS. The shelter fills the immediate shortage of short-term emergency shelters and longer-term solutions continue to be explored. Professional wrap-around services to support shelter residents will be available on-site. The shelter is scheduled to operate until the end of April.
Contact
The Gathering Place: New Beginnings
2400-13th Avenue
Call 306.559.5948.
It is a 24-7 facility that is first come, first served.
The City is investing $500,000 to lease the space, provide furniture and necessities for the operations and provide minor renovations to the main floor to create a suitable shelter space.
The Government of Saskatchewan is providing RT/SIS with $400,000 in operational funding.
Working 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 temporary winter shelter.
When will the temporary winter shelter be open and for how long will it be operational?
The shelter is anticipated to open January 30, 2023 and scheduled to operate until the end of April.
How many people will it serve?
40 spaces will be available.
Why is this a good space?
This temporary lease of 26,000 sq ft on the main floor of the building includes offices and a gym area for the communal shelter. It can accommodate counselling rooms and other supportive agencies to come on site for one-on-ones. There is existing access to showers and washroom facilities, as well as a kitchen. It’s also centrally located, close to other support services, amenities and transit.
Why can’t it be open sooner?
Minor renovations are required to make the space suitable.
What else is in The NEST Health Centre?
The leased space is on the main floor of the building where there are currently no other tenants in that space. The previous tenant has moved to a different location. The Nest Health Centre has other programs and services in different areas of the building.
How much will this cost?
The City is investing $500,000 to lease the space, provide furniture and necessities for the operations and provide minor renovations to the main floor to create a suitable shelter space. The province is providing RT/SIS with $400,000 for operations.
Could this turn into a permanent shelter?
This shelter is not a long-term solution. It is a short-term measure scheduled to operate until the end of April. Longer-term solutions continue to be explored.
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 City will also ensure there is a security camera system to help with monitoring and will provide contracted security to patrol the area outside the building. Regina Police Services may also have an increased presence in the neighbourhood to enhance the safety and well-being of the shelter residents, staff and neighbours.
How was this space chosen?
Several sites were considered. This space was the best fit for rapid conversion into a functioning temporary shelter.
