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Saskatoon Cancels In-Person Homelessness Count Over Safety Concerns
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Cancellation of the Point-in-Time Count
The City of Saskatoon announced that it will not carry out the scheduled in-person point-in-time (PiT) count of people experiencing homelessness this year. About 250 trained volunteers had been prepared to enumerate unsheltered residents, but city officials said recent safety concerns tied to potential protest activity prompted the decision. The cancellation means the 2026 count will rely on estimates from fire-department reports and data from shelters, transitional housing and other services, without direct input from people living on the streets.
Background and Recent Tensions
The move follows heightened tensions around a large tent encampment on the city’s west side. The fire department had planned to clear an encampment of more than 100 occupants, but the effort was paused after protests from residents and their supporters. Advocates have challenged the city’s approach, arguing that the removal plan and the associated count send a negative message to people experiencing homelessness.
Official Statements & Responses
Lesley Anderson, the city’s director of planning and development, emphasized that volunteer and participant safety must be the priority. She thanked those who had prepared to take part in the PiT count and indicated that the municipality will collaborate with the fire department to produce an estimate of the homeless population using existing shelter and encampment data. The city’s release stressed that the revised methodology aims to continue informing coordinated community supports despite the lack of direct unsheltered input.
Criticism & Opposition
Advocate David Fineday, who lives in the contested encampment, described the city’s stance as “a kick in the head,” arguing that the focus on a police-heavy count diverts resources from affordable housing solutions. He questioned the purpose of the study, suggesting that funds earmarked for the count would be better spent on housing initiatives.