The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) is pausing plans to clear encampments near Station 20 West. Multiple tents and tarps have been set up at nearby city-owned lots. The fire department said the encampments are unsafe. Acting Fire Chief Yvonne Raymer said human feces, rotting food and discarded needles have accumulated in the area — sparking concerns from neighbours and St. Mary’s school. The city had plans to clear the encampment at 301 Avenue K South by 9 a.m. Thursday, but decided to wait until Monday as the operation faces a potential legal challenge. Crystal Fafard and housing advocate Sheela McLean have applied for an injunction — arguing removing people from the encampment would put them at risk because there isn’t shelter space available. A King’s Bench judge is scheduled to hear the application Monday. “We could clean it up, but we want to respect the legal process,” Raymer told reporters. “I do have concerns that in the next four days something could occur, but I also want to give them that opportunity to be heard.” The city has also paused plans to remove the encampments from nearby lots at 1112 and 1202 19th Street West. The city prepared to fence off the two lots following the clearing. On Thursday morning, protesters tried to block the work by standing on top of fencing panels, on a flatbed trailer, and forming a human chain beside it. “The level of aggressive protest from community advocacy groups has made any work at the site unsafe,” the city said in a statement. Is there enough room at shelters? In their court filings, Fafard and McLean argue that there is not enough shelter space for people who would be displaced. “Forcible displacement from this location will push me and other residents into hidden, unsafe, and isolated areas of the city,” Fafard said in her affidavit. The fire department said seven shelter spots were available Wednesday, but were filled by Thursday morning. Raymer said people at the encampment have declined offers of help. “Everybody declined supports. Nobody accepted anything by SFD or Salvation Army,” Raymer said.
