SASKATOON — The City of Saskatoon suggests that the Community Support Program oversight be transferred to the Saskatoon Fire Department to improve coordination and integration for community safety and well-being.
The current administration of the CSP is handled by the Downtown Saskatoon Business Improvement District (BID). Still, with the current agreement’s expiration, the SFD recognizes the need for greater capacity and collaboration with other public safety initiatives.
By taking over the CSP, the SFD aims to maintain the current level of support in the city's core business districts and enhance the response with the involvement of Transit support workers and partnerships with specially trained police officers.
This whole-community team approach would allow for better coordination, information sharing, and evidence-based solutions to address social distress in the community.
The SFD has established trust and built relationships with vulnerable individuals in Saskatoon through various initiatives.
As part of the transition plan, a pilot Task Force consisting of Saskatoon Police Service Alternative Response Officers and SFD Fire Inspectors has been initiated, reflecting the team approach believed to be effective for community safety.
The city administration will further explore the transition of the CSP oversight to the SFD, engaging with community partners such as the Saskatoon Police Service, the Street Activity Subcommittee, and the Downtown Saskatoon, Riversdale, and Broadway BIDs.
The review will also involve Saskatoon Transit, as the City Council has approved exploring a transit support workers program as part of the "One City" approach to targeted safety support services.
A subsequent report on the transition of the CSP will be presented before the 2024-2025 Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget.
