Stakeholders talk challenges of crime, public perception, vacancies in downtown Saskatoon

Improving Saskatoon's downtown could include changing perspectives around the safety there by finding services to better help people, and attracting more businesses.

The Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce hosted a discussion on how to improve the downtown Wednesday.

Crime and poverty were some of the big concerns.

Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) said they’re trying to connect people in need to services supporting mental health and addictions.

“When staff at some of these facilities aren’t able to address the needs of the community they serve, often times we’re called in to be a substitute and I think there’s a better way to do that,” said Chief Troy Cooper.

SPS said they’re working with providers on different approaches.

“Police have a role to play in public safety but there are often times other service providers that are more appropriate, so we’ve done things like form an alternate response officer program,” Cooper said, adding one solution is working with community organizations.

For example, the Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) has been pushing to open a wellness centre downtown to house vulnerable people.

Their plan is to help people heal their trauma so they can get off the street.