The Saskatoon Chamber has advanced recommendations for the establishment of new shelter facilities over the last three years and we are so pleased to see one such priority receive funding in an announcement last week.

$3.45 million in last week’s provincial budget was allocated for security measures at emergency shelters in Regina and Saskatoon. An additional $400,000 will be shared equally between the Regina and Saskatoon police services to pay for alternative response officers to look after emergency shelter areas.

With the opening of new facilities, incidences of vandalism, property damage and incivilities in the neighbouring area are sure to increase. Ensuring there is an alternative crime prevention strategy in place, is a vital step to deterring crime and addressing these concerns.