New Beginnings Enhanced Emergency Shelter Opens in Regina

New Beginnings, a City of Regina owned enhanced emergency shelter for people experiencing houselessness, opens July 28, 2025.

“The opening of Regina’s new permanent emergency shelter is more than just bricks and mortar, it’s a symbol of dignity, compassion and hope,” said Mayor Chad Bachynski. “For far too long, many have had to rely on temporary solutions, not knowing where they might lay their heads at night. This shelter is a start to change that; but we know this is only the beginning. Our journey toward ending chronic houselessness is far from over. There is much more work to be done, so let this be the foundation on which we continue to build a city, together, where everyone has a place to call home."

The enhanced emergency shelter located at 1600 Halifax Street is owned by the City and managed and operated by Regina Treaty/Status Indian Services (RT/SIS). It replaces the temporary shelter previously located at the Nest Health Centre.

“Our government was elected to build Canada, and that starts right here, with real support for people in Regina who need it most,” said the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Government of Canada’s Secretary of State for Rural Development. “Your federal government was proud to invest more than $1 million in this new permanent emergency shelter through the Unsheltered Homelessness and Encampments Initiative.”

The creation of the enhanced emergency shelter was a collaborative effort. The shelter will help address the urgent need for low-barrier shelter spaces for people experiencing houselessness in Regina. Development of the new location was made possible through $3 million from the Federal Transit and Housing Fund, $1.1 million of capital funding from the Federal Government’s Unsheltered Homelessness and Encampment Initiative and up to $3 million from the Government of Saskatchewan as a forgivable loan. The total cost of the shelter is $6.8 million. One million dollars of the existing annual City budget will go towards ongoing operational costs.

“The opening of this new location for the enhanced emergency shelter in Regina demonstrates a shared commitment to supporting those in urgent need of shelter in our community,” said Government of Saskatchewan Social Services Minister Terry Jenson. “Together with community partners, we are connecting individuals to services and supports they need on their path to stability and stable housing.”

New Beginnings shelter has 50 beds. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week on a first-come, first-served basis, providing clients with access to shelter, three meals per day, case planning services and 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 emergency shelter remains available for those who need it, all year round.

“As we’ve all witnessed, the number of individuals facing houselessness in our city continues to grow. This shelter is one step forward in helping those individuals by creating a space where they can access vital supports, services and programs available in our community,” said Natasha Kennedy, RT/SIS Executive Director. “New Beginnings Shelter reflects a shared commitment to provide compassionate, community-led solutions that prioritize the dignity, safety and long-term well-being of the residents.”

The shelter will play a key role as an entry point into the housing continuum, providing emergency housing and support services with the goal to transition residents into more stable forms of housing. 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.