The Government of Saskatchewan has caused uncertainty regarding the future of a shelter in downtown Moose Jaw by contradicting a relocation announcement that was previously confirmed by Premier Scott Moe and Justice Minister Tim McLeod. Mayor James Murdock, during a press conference on Wednesday, revealed that the Ministry of Social Services had instructed the 15-bed Willow Lodge shelter to be relocated from the city’s downtown area.
Murdock emphasized the importance of the downtown core for the city’s operations and services, stating that the Ministry believed relocating the shelter to a more suitable location would better serve the community. Following Murdock’s statement, Moe and McLeod did not dispute the relocation directive and expressed the city’s desire to collaborate with the Ministry to identify an appropriate new site.
However, hours later, a government spokesperson contradicted the initial relocation directive, stating that the Ministry had not issued any such order. The statement mentioned ongoing discussions with the mayor and community members to address concerns and ensure a coordinated approach to meet the community’s needs. Despite seeking further clarification from CBC, no response has been received yet.
The unexpected relocation announcement caught many by surprise at the morning press conference, including Mayor Murdock, who had just been informed of the decision that same day. McLeod acknowledged receiving requests to move the shelter out of downtown, with the Willow Lodge shelter being established in early 2024 as part of the government’s initiative to combat homelessness in Saskatchewan by setting up temporary shelters.
The John Howard Society of Saskatchewan operates the Willow Lodge shelter, but no representative was present at the press conference. Following the news, the society’s CEO, Shawn Fraser, expressed concerns about the decision’s impact on addressing homelessness in Moose Jaw, highlighting potential accessibility challenges in a new location.
During the press conference, Alex Carleton, chair of the Moose Jaw Downtown Association, emphasized the community’s efforts to balance compassion for those in need with support for local businesses in the tourist town. Premier Moe reassured that the relocation would not diminish services but rather enhance them, attributing the government’s involvement in the shelter business to the prevalent issue of drug use in the province.
