The Government of Saskatchewan says since the announcement in November of an additional $1.7 million investment for new temporary emergency shelter spaces, 83 new temporary shelter spaces have been developed to meet seasonal pressures in winter months.

The paces will be operational until April 30, 2023.

Of that funding $800,000 was provided as a one-time grant to help emergency shelters and wellness centres across Saskatchewan meet seasonal cost pressures, and $900,000 went towards creating additional temporary shelter spaces in Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert.

Forty of the spaces in Regina are operational as of today (Monday) where the main floor of the old YMCA building was renovated by the City of Regina and is available over the rest of the winter.

The shelter was leased through The Nest Health Centre, who will provide physicians to give residents onsite medical attention. Regina Treaty and Status Indian Services is managing the new location and were provided with 400 thousand dollars to do so by the provincial government.

The City of Regina said the funding will provide access to 24-hour service, various support programs, and 3 meals a day. They also said that beginning this new project would mean the warm-up bus operation would be put on pause, for now.

In a news release, Regina Mayor Sandra Masters stated that the new winter shelter is a good example of different levels of government working together with the non-profit and private sectors to address a community issue.