REGINA, Sask. — It’s a call on the province to help Regina’s most vulnerable with action.
Ward 6 Coun. Victoria Flores has written an open letter to the province with the signatures of fellow councillors David Froh (Ward 3), Sarah Turnbull (Ward 5), Shobna Radons (Ward 7), Shanon Zachidniak (Ward 8) and Jason Mancinelli (Ward 9), calling for a push to help people on the streets find housing and resources.
“We have seen a growing encampment in the Heritage area at Pepsi Park. I think the reality we can all agree on is that nobody wants to live in an encampment, and no one wants an encampment around them. But many of the things that would make a meaningful difference there fall under the jurisdiction of the provincial government.”
In the letter, Flores called for the province to ensure multi-year funding for permanent supportive housing, as she described current barriers preventing people from getting out of the housing continuum.
“There are many folks that have a barrier to staying in housing and being independently housed. It's not just the cost; it is mental health, addiction support and all of those things. That is a piece that, in my experience, is missing in what we don't have enough of because we cannot expect folks to navigate all the social services systems on their own while they're unhoused to become housed.”
By preventing people from being on the streets, Flores said it will cause less strain on local services.
“The strain is not happening on fire, police, social services, health-care system and ultimately, like, the lives of people who are impacted by this.”
But Flores also pointed out the city and local partners can only do so much within their control.
“The city has limitations. We can put out warming buses, have our Community Safety and Well-Being team respond, and do everything within our control to assess people and determine what they need. But if, at the end of that process, there’s nowhere to place people, there’s nothing else the city can do.”
In a statement sent to SaskToday, the Ministry of Social Services said the province is investing more than $10 million in homelessness services in Regina.
In terms of finding a place for people, Flores said 20 people currently at the Pepsi Park encampment are ready to be housed but are stuck until the Ministry of Social Services can find an adequate spot.
“So we can make sure those folks are not staying out in the elements when we know that there are available homes for them.”
Flores is also calling on the province to raise Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) and Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) rates to reflect what it actually costs to live and rent in Regina, and for a cross-ministry discharge protocol for people leaving provincial hospitals and correctional facilities with no place to turn.
In terms of rates, the ministry referred to the increase in rates for both SIS and SAID over the past number of years.
“Income assistance rates have increased consistently over the past several years, including a two per cent increase in monthly benefits for SIS and SAID clients in the 2026-27 budget. This was the fifth year in a row that SIS benefits rose, and the fourth consecutive year SAID monthly benefits increased.”
The ministry also pointed out that those receiving SIS and SAID have the option of direct payment for rent and utilities.
As homelessness numbers continue to grow in Regina, Flores worries minimal action will see the city continue falling behind.
“It is something that weighs on my mind.”
She added, “At what point do we say we need to stop being so reactive and really invest in proactive solutions, so we’re not seeing these numbers continue to grow? Because behind those numbers are human beings who are suffering from living in the elements, being unhoused and dealing with mental health challenges. That’s something that’s really important to come back to.”
In her letter, Flores asked the province to meet with her, walk through Pepsi Park and speak with Indigenous leaders, families, neighbourhood residents and businesses.
“I would love for us to work together on this. The invitation also says we would love for you to come down and speak directly with people who are living in this situation.”
The Ministry of Social Services did not confirm whether it would meet with Flores and other stakeholders on the matter.
The ministry also said it is working with the city at Pepsi Park on co-ordinated outreach and intake sessions but couldn’t release information on the 20 individuals waiting for housing.
“To protect the privacy of the citizens we serve, the Ministry does not provide specific information about individuals or their situation. We value our partnership with the City of Regina and will continue to work with them toward more effective and coordinated system responses.”
