Saskatoon's 'complex needs' shelter is open and accepting patients — whether they like it or not

Saskatoon's long-awaited complex needs emergency shelter has opened and begun accepting patients.

Saskatoon's long-awaited complex needs emergency shelter has opened and begun accepting patients.

Last month, the province announced it signed an agreement with EHN Prairie Inc. to operate the 15-bed shelter at the site of a former liquor store at 1701 Idylwyld Drive North. Police began taking people to the shelter after the August long weekend.

Saskatoon police Chief Cam McBride said officers have been taking people there on a limited basis as shelter staff work to get the site fully operational.

"It's a really good added benefit or added service to what we had previously," McBride said Tuesday.

"They opened with a limited service in terms of how many people they're accepting just to get the kinks out and to make sure the processes work. But it looks like it's going to be a great thing for us."

The temporary shelter will serve as a forced brief detox — a secure location where police take a person who is intoxicated and "exhibiting behaviours that present a danger to themselves or the public," according to the Ministry of Health.

"The facility is staffed 24/7 by a mix of clinical counsellors, registered nurses, security personnel and support staff. Individuals cannot self-refer, and discharge planning includes transportation to support services," a statement from the ministry said.