The future of a shelter in downtown Moose Jaw has been clouded by conflicting statements from the Government of Saskatchewan, overturning a relocation plan previously endorsed by Premier Scott Moe and Justice Minister Tim McLeod. During a press event led by the province, Mayor James Murdock revealed that the Ministry of Social Services had instructed the move of the 15-bed Willow Lodge shelter from the city’s downtown area. Murdock emphasized the importance of the downtown core for city operations and services, indicating that the Ministry believed relocating the shelter to a more suitable location would be beneficial.
Following Murdock’s announcement, Moe and McLeod addressed the issue, expressing the city’s desire to collaborate with the Ministry in finding an appropriate shelter site. However, hours later, a government spokesperson clarified that the Ministry had not issued a directive for relocation but was engaging in discussions with local stakeholders to address community concerns. Despite requests for further clarification from CBC, no additional information has been provided.
The unexpected relocation announcement caught many off guard, including Mayor Murdock, who acknowledged being informed of the decision that same morning. McLeod confirmed receiving requests to move the shelter from downtown, highlighting the Willow Lodge shelter’s establishment in early 2024 as part of the government’s initiative to tackle homelessness in Saskatchewan through temporary shelters. The shelter, managed by the John Howard Society of Saskatchewan, did not have a representative present at the press conference.
CEO Shawn Fraser later expressed surprise at the decision, emphasizing Moose Jaw’s homelessness issue and questioning how moving the shelter to a potentially less accessible location would address the problem. Alex Carleton, chair of the Moose Jaw Downtown Association, echoed concerns about the livelihood of passionate business owners in the community during the morning’s news conference.
Premier Moe assured that the shelter’s relocation would not diminish services but rather improve them, emphasizing the province’s involvement in the shelter business due to community challenges with drug-related issues. This move has sparked debate and concern among stakeholders, reflecting the ongoing discussions surrounding the future of the Willow Lodge shelter in Moose Jaw.
