It has been about 2-and-a-half years since Saskatoon’s Street Activity Subcommittee has had someone with lived experience who can be a voice for those experiencing homelessness, mental health or addictions issues.
Committee chair, Brent Penner, who is also the executive director of Downtown Saskatoon, says so far they haven’t had any luck finding someone.
They are trying to come up with new solutions to fill the volunteer position.
The Street Activity Subcommittee meets 4 times a year and oversees the Community Support Program, which brings foot patrols to the downtown, Riversdale and Broadway business districts to promote safety.
He says that means safety for all, whether it’s safety for someone who is homeless and looking for a place to stay, for someone walking to work, or for someone going to a theatre, a night club, or any other business.
The subcommittee has representatives from the Business Improvement Districts, the police service, and the city, but the spot for a person with street life experience remains vacant.