Downtown Saskatoon businesses see positive change following Mustard Seed takeover of Lighthouse

It's been over a year since the Mustard Seed took over the Lighthouse, Saskatoon's supported living facility downtown and businesses are happy with the operator

Businesses along Second Avenue and beyond are seeing a shift in the atmosphere of the area, and some credit that change to the Mustard Seed’s presence in the Lighthouse Building.

Derrell Hrynchyshyn, owner of Black Rose Whiskey Club, says the bar has seen its share of ups and downs over the years, particularly with activity across the street at the Lighthouse. He says since the Mustard Seed took over the building in December 2024, things have noticeably changed.

“There’s almost no traffic on the street, or no walk-in traffic around the building like there was before. People aren’t hanging out there anymore,” he told CTV News.

For the business, that shift has been good news.

“The perception that downtown is a scary place is slowly changing. It’s not that scary. There’s not that much trouble where there once was.”

Mustard Seed representatives say the reduction in people lingering downtown isn’t about pushing anyone out, it’s about offering support and direction.

“Don’t ask them to leave, but give them an opportunity,” says Lyle Richards, Housing Manager with The Mustard Seed. “What do I need? What is available in the city? Where can I find it, instead of just hanging around downtown.”

The Lighthouse location at 20th Street and Second Avenue operates as assisted living, providing meals, connections to services, and ongoing supports for the 62 residents living there. The organization says the goal goes beyond emergency relief, focusing on long-term change, extending into relationships with nearby businesses.

“We’ve got some relationships with businesses that started out rocky that have now done a complete 180,” Richards said.

Shawn Nelsona, Executive Director of Saskatoon’s Downtown Business Improvement District (BID,) adds it’s also noticing improvements.

“We’ve seen a lot of stability, we’ve seen great coordination, accountability, and collaboration with Downtown Saskatoon and the business community,” says Nelson.

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The Mustard Seed also operates a 40-bed temporary shelter on Pacific Avenue, where the BID says positive results are being seen as well.

“With their leadership and where it’s going, it’s done great things for us,” added Nelson.

Looking ahead, the organization acknowledges new challenges are expected as warmer weather brings more people outdoors.

“We’ll have to address that as well when it comes and make sure we’re resourcing people so they know where to go,” Richards added.

As the Mustard Seed marks its first year in Saskatoon, supporters and skeptics agree the conversation around downtown homelessness is far from over, but many say it’s now happening with more understanding than before.

The Mustard Seed is also welcoming members of the public to volunteer and get a feeling of what happens inside the building.