A report from the Saskatoon Fire Department to the Environment Utilities and Corporate Services Committee Tuesday discussed the number of encampments in the city and how first responders have been approaching vulnerable people. In 2021, there were 116 encampments throughout the year in Saskatoon. That rose to 512 in 2022 and its 290 for January through June 25th this year.

The report says this year there has been a notable increase in people identified as inadequately housed that are new to the Fire Inspectors. Addictions and the reluctance to accept housing or emergency shelter compound the situation. In November of 2021, the Fire Department started recording, tracking and identifying who is living unhoused, where they are and why.

The report notes that Fire Bylaw and Fire Inspectors approach individuals in a respectful, discreet, and dignified manner to help look for a solution to determine an adequate form of housing based on the opportunities and circumstances surrounding each person’s background and history. Eighty per cent of individuals will accept some form of support or allow regular check-ins.