Saskatoon sees recurring homeless encampments despite cleanup efforts 

WATCH: The Saskatoon Fire Department says crews recently cleared encampments across the city but two days later tents were back in the same spot.

Despite repeated cleanups, homeless encampments continue to appear across Saskatoon, sometimes just days after being cleared, city officials say.

The Saskatoon Fire Department says encampments have been reported in every neighbourhood this year.

On Tuesday, city crews cleared several sites, including one near temporary washroom trailers behind the Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. building.

Two days later, tents were back in the same spot.

“That is one of the challenges that we are experiencing,” said fire marshal Ryan Bradley. “We made sure that all structures and leftover belongings were removed, and the scene was completely cleared.”

Shana Hanson, who passes through the area daily, says she believes people should be allowed to stay.

“It feels safer when they are all together,” she said.

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Bradley says encampments can pose health and safety risks.

“We know that encampments can become common places for illicit activity, from human trafficking to the spread of disease, drugs and violence,” he said.

The fire department has counted 1,248 encampments as of Sept. 1, and has cleaned up 357 of them. All of last year, crews cleaned up 218.

Mayor Cynthia Block says each site is handled individually.

“They are dealt with on a case-by-case basis, and really, they are complaint driven. We are not always going to know about them unless people tell us,” Block said. “We know they are generally considered unsafe.”

Bradley says the city is working with the provincial government to find options for people experiencing homelessness.

“The city is working with the provincial government to ensure there are places for people to go, whether it is shelters or warming locations,” he said.

City council is expected to discuss acquiring a property on Avenue C South for a new winter warming location at its meeting Wednesday.