Police and fire officials took action on Thursday morning to dismantle a growing encampment of numerous tents on the west side of Saskatoon. Deputy fire chief Yvonne Raymer explained that the operation was necessary due to the need for coordination with the police, following a previous unsuccessful attempt to clear the encampment last month, which was disrupted by aggressive demonstrators.
Raymer reported that the fire department had responded to four fires related to encampments in the city since midnight on Monday, with two fires occurring near the encampment being cleared on Thursday. The removal process received support from community-based organizations, Indigenous groups, and provincial government agencies, all with the shared goal of ensuring the safety and well-being of the individuals living in the encampment.
Notably, a recent fire at Optimist Park destroyed a tent and spread to trees, while another fire later in the day also affected the park’s vegetation. The encampment is situated on two city-owned lots between 19th and 20th streets. Raymer noted that assistance from social service agencies had been declined by the encampment residents, making it challenging to determine the exact population due to the presence of protesters.
Addressing the misconceptions surrounding encampments as a solution to the city’s housing crisis, Raymer emphasized the complexity of the issue and urged for a comprehensive understanding beyond brief media portrayals. The operation to clear the encampment came after a court denied a second attempt for an interim injunction to halt the removal process. Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief Mark Arcand highlighted the dangers associated with encampments, while Police Chief Cam McBridge expressed the police force’s commitment to a peaceful transition for the encampment occupants.
