Primary care nurses at the Saskatoon Community Clinic have been encountering a high number of overdoses, prompting them to request knee pads. Toby Esterby, the chief operations officer of the clinic located in the Pleasant Hill neighborhood, highlighted this request during a recent city council meeting to emphasize the growing need for services addressing homelessness and addiction.
Esterby referenced a report on the city’s community safety program, emphasizing the parallel issues faced in the present day as depicted in a 2024 online news article. Expressing concern, he stated that their community role should not primarily involve responding to overdoses and that resorting to ordering knee pads for staff reflects an underlying issue that needs attention.
The clinic has attended to numerous overdoses this year, with the number escalating over the past two years. Esterby explained that nurses are seeking knee pads due to the frequent need to kneel down while assisting individuals. He urged the city council to allocate resources towards tackling homelessness and addiction, asserting that such investments would alleviate the burden on police and fire departments.
The city’s community safety program integrates various entities such as the police, fire departments, private security, service providers, and city hall departments. The report acknowledges a significant surge in demand for services, resulting in a strain on available resources across all levels of government.
Esterby informed the council about the expected increase in the use of city buses following changes in transportation policies for individuals on the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability program. While the provincial Ministry of Social Services clarified no alterations to medical transportation policies for SAID beneficiaries, Esterby underscored Saskatoon’s pivotal position in addressing national issues, pointing out the recent population influx and its associated challenges.
Pamela Goulden-McLeod, the city’s emergency management director, noted a substantial rise in homeless activity near Avenue C in the Riversdale area. She mentioned the establishment of a winter warming space to accommodate the growing number of unhoused individuals in the vicinity.
Council unanimously supported a proposal by Coun. Holly Kelleher to explore enhanced services and potential funding sources for the area. Mayor Cynthia Block commended the efforts of emergency responders but expressed dismay over the lack of cold water at a portable bathroom site supported by the city. The council backed Block’s initiative to ensure the distribution of cold water at the facility.
