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As of right now, the Willow Lodge Emergency Shelter will continue to operate where it is, according to Saskatchewan’s Social Service Minister, Terry Jenson.
Earlier this week, a news conference in Moose Jaw caused a lot of confusion about the shelter’s future.
During an event, Moose Jaw Mayor James Murdock approached the microphones and announced that he’d just been informed in meetings with provincial government officials that morning, that the city had been directed to find a new location for the shelter, outside the downtown.
Justice Minister Tim McLeod said he and the other Moose Jaw MLA had gotten complaints from local businesses and residents about the shelter. And he and Premier Scott Moe both went on to explain the intent was not to reduce services, and that people in need can be helped while also protecting local businesses.
However, a few hours later, the Ministry of Social Services contradicted the mayor, saying it had not directed the city to find a new location.
Neither McLeod, Moe nor Murdock have answered any questions since about what Murdock said at the news conference or the confusion that it caused.
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When asked for an interview, the City of Moose Jaw provided a statement.
“The City of Moose Jaw acknowledges and appreciates the ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Social Services, as well as their engagement with both the City and community partners regarding the valuable services provided by Willow Lodge,” read the statement.
“We understand that municipalities are responsible for identifying potential locations for emergency shelters, and we remain committed to working in partnership to ensure that these services are delivered in a manner that supports both individuals in need and our community.”
Minister Jenson answered questions at an event in Prince Albert on Friday, saying he didn’t know exactly how the mix-up might have happened.
“The MLAs from Moose Jaw have always been conveying concerns from the business community, from residents about the current location, and the fact that it’s a temporary location,” said Jenson.
The minister said the ministry just wants to make sure the City of Moose Jaw is actively looking for a location because of those concerns, but that it would be up to the city to take the next step to find a location for a long-term shelter, if it wants.
“It’s always been our policy that the municipality chooses the location of their shelters, full stop,” said Jenson.
—with files from paNOW’s Nigel Maxwell
