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For Immediate Release
September 10, 2024
Bylaw to address unsafe outdoor living in Yorkton
YORKTON, SK – On September 9, 2024, Yorkton City Council approved a Bylaw amendment to the Fire Prevention Bylaw to address unsafe outdoor living. The Bylaw establishes appropriate parameters to ensure community safety and allow us to keep vulnerable populations safe. The City of Yorkton is committed to a people-first approach when engaging individuals who are houseless and living outdoors. With human rights continuing to be top of mind as we move forward. We recognize the complex needs of those living outdoors and are committed to working in partnership with other stakeholders to reduce barriers to getting assistance.
“This is an important first step for us. Up until now, we’ve had nothing to enforce and no way to prevent unsafe outdoor living,” said Fire Chief Trevor Morrissey. Chief Morrissey continued to explain, “Our priority is to help make services available for people who need it.”
“City Council understands that the mental health, addictions and houselessness crisis is not within the City’s scope to financially support this issue, but we are committed to working with all orders of government and other stakeholders to improve the lives of our residents,” said Mayor Hippsley. Yorkton City Council continues to lobby for better solutions to the concerns all communities are facing regarding mental health, addictions and houselessness. Mayor Hippsley explains, “We will continue to advocate for the health and safety of all our residents on this urgent matter.”
The City of Yorkton is committed to bringing other stakeholders and local community-based organizations together to ensure resources are available and ensure the community is best positioned to address issues surrounding mental health, addictions and houselessness.
The Council Report and complete Bylaw Amendment can be found on the City’s website.
To report a concern about an unsafe living situation as pertaining to the bylaw, residents can contact Bylaw Services at 306-786-1725 or submit the concern online at https://forms.yorkton.ca/General/Report-a-Concern
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For further information contact:
Amanda Williams
Marketing Coordinator
City of Yorkton
Phone: 306.786.1731