CORRECTION: This story has been edited from the original
SASKATOON – Saskatoon’s Winston’s English Pub & Grill responded to criticism after it decided to stir up a hot topic Friday by posting a comment on a social media website concerning a nearby emergency shelter.
Just before midnight, Winston’s stated on its Facebook that the Lighthouse has brought more crime activity to the downtown area and said they receive many complaints from customers.
“Light House downtown Saskatoon and the effect it has had and what needs to be done. Nothing? No issues? Or has it done damage to a growing and flourishing downtown by bringing an element of criminal activity,” said the original statement on Winston’s page.
The Lighthouse is an emergency shelter, supported living facility and affordable housing provider on the corner of 2nd Avenue South and 20th Avenue East.
“People in need, need assistance. That is fine. But the other people it brings to downtown are the problem,” said the original post.
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Winston’s garnered negative and positive feedback from commenters.
Nearly 500 people had taken to site by Sunday afternoon to comment, many disagreeing with the use of the word “parasites” and at least one calling for a boycott.
The business on 21st Street East posted the two following statements apologizing, clarifying its stance and indicating its support of the homeless.
Winston’s third post seen below:
I would like to post an official position statement to all who have commented for and against the last few comments.I would like to clarify what was posted before and to what a lot of ppl have been commenting on.
This is our official statement:
We, at the Hotel Senator have been working hard to be a great place to come in downtown Saskatoon for over 45 years and myself personally for over 30 years. I have seen a lot of changes for the good and bad in that time. We have a great downtown with great businesses and investment happening right now and its exciting. We have been working very hard to be a positive influence in downtown, and have invested greatly in this employing over 90 people.It is quite concerning when hotel guests say they they are uncomfortable about the environment in the area. It has been a frustrating issue, and I apologize if my comments came off harshly or in the wrong light, or negatively about the Lighthouse as it provides a great service for people in need, my intention was never to put down the lighthouse or its residents. This issue involves many different factors. We look forward to talking and working together in the future with them to keep downtown a great place to come.
The earlier post was meant to bring to light the issue at hand and it has certainly done that. It seems to have been misconstrued that I or we, are against homeless or mentally ill people. This could not be further from the truth. I have personally done a lot through out the years to help people in need or with these issue downtown, and will continue to do so. I would like to apologize if this came off in the wrong way. What we need to deal with and work on, is the safe environment for everyone downtown.
What was meant to be said, is the issue with people selling drugs and criminal activity and causing an unsafe environment in the area that has to be dealt with.
We are committed to providing the best safe environment we can for our patrons and appreciate their business. We look forward to working with the downtown community and all stakeholders to help provide the best environment for everyone.
The pub stated better policing and management strategies at the Lighthouse as ways to address the crime issue.
As of Monday, Winston’s Facebook page has been taken down.
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