The University Bridge in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, has historically been a site for encampments established by the city’s homeless population. However, a fire within one such encampment in January 2025 caused significant damage, melting a sewer line and releasing thousands of gallons of raw sewage onto the bridge and into the river valley below. The incident forced the closure of the bridge for several days while repairs were undertaken, and the clean-up of the affected Meewasin River trails continued even after the bridge reopened. This event prompted the city to seek preventative measures to deter future encampments under the bridge.
Following the incident, the Saskatoon City Council convened on January 29th, 2025, to discuss solutions. The city announced plans to erect a temporary razor-wire fence beneath the bridge to block access to the areas typically used for encampments. Mayor Cynthia Block justified the decision by citing concerns for public safety and the structural integrity of the bridge. She emphasized the importance of preventing further incidents like the sewer line damage and ensuring the safety of both the unhoused population and the general public. The mayor also highlighted the council’s commitment to addressing the root causes of homelessness, seeing the fence as a temporary measure while longer-term solutions are developed.
While acknowledging the necessity of the fence as a short-term security measure, Mayor Block emphasized the need for more sustainable solutions, advocating for transitional housing as a more effective approach than relying solely on shelters. She stressed that shelters, while providing essential services, do not offer the stability and security necessary for individuals to rebuild their lives. Councilor Robert Pearce echoed this sentiment, supporting the idea of transitioning individuals from temporary shelter stays to more permanent housing solutions within a short timeframe, ideally within one to three nights. This transition, he argued, should be coupled with access to comprehensive support services tailored to individual needs.
The limitations of shelters as long-term solutions were further underscored by Mayor Block. She argued that shelters, like encampments, primarily address immediate survival needs, leaving individuals with little opportunity to plan for the future or address the underlying issues contributing to their homelessness. A safe and stable environment, she contended, is crucial for individuals to regain a sense of agency and begin to address the challenges they face. This stability allows them to focus on personal growth, seek necessary support, and make positive changes in their lives.
Councilor Pearce emphasized the crucial role of funding in tackling the homelessness crisis, noting that the city council recognizes the urgency of the situation and the need for increased resources. He stressed the importance of lobbying the provincial government for increased funding to support initiatives aimed at alleviating homelessness. This, he believes, is essential for reversing the current trend and providing adequate support and resources for those experiencing homelessness. He sees the city council as understanding the severity of the crisis and the need for significant investment to address the root causes of homelessness.
Mayor Block acknowledged the ongoing challenges and the complexities of addressing homelessness in Saskatoon. She emphasized the importance of understanding the reasons why individuals choose encampments over existing resources like shelters, particularly during harsh weather conditions. She questioned why individuals experiencing homelessness would choose the precarious conditions of an encampment over the relative safety and warmth of a shelter, noting the city’s available shelter capacity. This, she believes, is a key question that needs to be explored to understand the barriers preventing individuals from accessing existing support systems. A comprehensive report addressing the next steps in the city’s approach to homelessness is scheduled to be presented to the council in March 2025. This report, Mayor Block suggested, will likely delve into the challenges and potential solutions for addressing homelessness in Saskatoon, moving beyond temporary measures like the fence and towards more sustainable, long-term strategies.
