The Saskatoon Fire Department says information circulating on social media which claims the City has granted a permit for an encampment is false. It was a burn permit to hold a public smudge event.

A news release from the City states that neither the Fire Department nor the City would ever issue a permit for an encampment, because what they have seen in other municipalities is that large encampments can create significant health and safety risks. The goal is to find alternative solutions for those in need. The Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization has activated an Internal Emergency Operations Centre with multiple City Departments to coordinate the response to homelessness in this city. Winter warming locations have been in operation since October and the City says more opened last night.