A recommendation going to the Planning, Development and Community Services committee recommends oversight of Saskatoon’s Community Support Program be transferred to the Saskatoon Fire Department.

The Downtown Saskatoon Business Improvement District has administered the program for several years. The Community Support Program utilizes uniform patrols to the Downtown, Riversdale and Broadway Bids providing community outreach, dealing with minor disturbances, substance use and public intoxication, safety education, mediation, city bylaw information and enforcement, needle pick up, and deals with people who exhibit behaviour which could be linked to mental illness. They also give directions and business information.

A report going to city committee points out the agreement with the Downtown BID is set to expire.

Jason Aebig, CEO of the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, when asked about the Chamber’s view of the move, sent an emailed response, “We don’t have a comment or perspective on this one. So long as the capacity and presence remains, and the community is seeing results, where the Community Support Program is housed is not a concern.”

In a news release, Assistant Fire Chief Yvonne Raymer said, “We very recently began a pilot Task Force of Saskatoon Police Service Alternative Response Officers (ARO) and SFD Fire Inspectors, which we believe has the team approach that we think will be an effective community safety model.”