SASKATOON – The demolition of a McDonald’s and a new restaurant where Olympia once operated have transformed a notorious downtown street corner in Saskatoon.
Police had termed the corner of 22nd Street and 2nd Avenue a “hot spot” for crime.
Saskatoon Police Service Investigator Mitch Yuzdepski says the corner has become less of a resource burden.
“In a four week period, we would get anywhere from 25 to 35 calls for service to that location and we’ve seen a dramatic decrease in calls for service,” said Yuzdepski.
Groups typically congregated at the street corner to enjoy a cheap drink from McDonald’s and loitering created a feeling of insecurity among the public.
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“We did have some of those issues on that corner, drug issues, some assaults and some fights” said City Councillor Charlie Clark.
In May, the city contemplated removing the street benches in hopes of discouraging congregation. The benches stayed but McDonald’s Express was demolished in June.
“We’re not receiving the calls. If you’re looking at it from that perspective of gathering at that corner, (it) seems to be the problem has been solved,” said Alan Wallace, city planning and development manager.
There’s no location that’s been identified by police as the new “’hang out spot” but Clark believes the underlying issues remain.
Clark says the issue has just dispersed and mentioned discussions are underway to create a space for complimentary coffee, visiting and warming up.
“For people who have mental health issues or don’t have a place to go, we’re trying to be more coordinated in helping them find a place to go because this requires a compassionate response,” said Clark.
“As the weather gets cold here we talk about homelessness and what do we do with people out in the cold and with the United Way we’re talking about a cold weather strategy here in the city,” said Yuzdepski.
The goal is to have every citizen sheltered when temperatures reach minus 18 or lower.
The joint effort began last winter. The Lighthouse offers free transportation to those in need and the city plans to send out cold weather alerts this year.
Last winter there were no freezing deaths in Saskatoon but three people in Prince Albert, Sask. died in freezing temperatures.
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