The level of safety and security offered to women and children in Meadow Lake is only growing stronger. Women and children fleeing interpersonal violence will soon have access to new affordable rental units in the community thanks in part to investments by the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan. Friday (May 24), Meadow Lake MLA Jeremy Harrison, on behalf of minister of social services and minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation Gene Makowsky, joined representatives from the Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC) to announce the construction of a second-stage fourplex to house women and children affected by interpersonal violence.

“This is really a very good day and a very good project that is going to make a difference for a lot of people in very difficult situations,” Harrison remarked during an official groundbreaking ceremony held for the new building. “I want to thank (those responsible for) the work already done at the Waskoosis Safe Shelter (the shelter for women and children located in Meadow Lake). It’s been close to 30 years since Waskoosis began operating and making a genuine difference in the lives of people going through probably the worst time of their life – probably situations I can’t even begin to imagine… The Government of Saskatchewan is very pleased to make a contribution to this project and, obviously, MLTC views this as a significant priority as well.” Harrison went on to describe this project as “the end of the sentence.” “This is why we work so hard on making sure the forest industry is successful, making sure power generation here in Meadow Lake is successful, making sure all the projects we are working on or looking at are successful as well,” he said. “This is why. That is what pays for the ability to do things like this. We would not be able to do things things but for the fact we have a growing economy, and a tribal council focused on important projects such as this as well as on growing the economy, creating jobs, creating wealth for members. That too is something important to keep in mind… We appreciate the work everyone has done toward this.”

Second-stage housing provides safe, affordable, longer-term support for women and their children to break the cycle of violence and help them rebuild their lives. Clients receive counselling, connections to education and employment and programs for their children. The new fourplex will include four three-bedroom affordable rental units. Three units will be rented to families, and one will be rented by the room to three individuals. Support services will be provided to residents by MLTC and other community-based organizations. As Harrison referenced, MLTC also operates the Waskoosis Shelter in Meadow Lake. The new second-stage units will provide stability and support to women and children affected by violence, and make way for new admissions to Waskoosis.

Construction of the new fourplex will be done by Meadow Lake Properties and is expected to be complete in spring 2025. Funding for the project includes $877,821 of joint dollars through the Canada-Saskatchewan Bi-lateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy (NHS) and 300,000 from MLTC. “This project is an extension of the Waskoosis Safe Shelter,” stated MLTC Cree vice-chief Richard Derocher. “A lot of times our women who are not being treated in a good way come hurt to the Waskoosis Safe Shelter – sometimes physically, but definitely emotionally and spiritually. They do a stint at the shelter, but soon want to move on to their own homes, their own places. Some times that’s not available to them.” In 2022, 53 families came through the shelter. Of these 53, only three could get into affordable housing to break the cycle of domestic violence. In 2023, 66 women utilized the shelter, while only 12 found affordable housing. “This tells me 80-90 per cent of those ladies had to go back to where they were before,” Derocher said. “This is an extension of helping those ladies with the same programming we have at the shelter. We need to stop this violence against our women, to provide a better life for the young children they bring with them… To make sure they have opportunity. It’s all about opportunity, and if you don’t have opportunity you will have to stumble on to it. That’s not very often. We present opportunity for the ladies who come to our safe shelter.”

Also on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony were councillor Tom Harrison who brought greetings on behalf of the City of Meadow Lake, as well as Marcia Mirasty, MLTC director of health and social development. “It’s a beautiful day today,” Mirasty said. “I want to acknowledge everyone who has worked very hard for this endeavour including Sheila Mirasty who is the director of the Waskoosis Safe Shelter. I want to acknowledge our director of finance Isabelle Opikokew who really spearheaded the project. I want to acknowledge Al MacFarlane (of Meadow Lake Properties) for his kind heart and willingness to do the right things in our community. He is always there to lend a helping hand and share his expertise. I want to acknowledge the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, as well as our tribal leadership for their support, the City of Meadow Lake, minister Jeremy Harrison and everyone who had a vision to make this happen. Thank you for your dedication to the well-being of our families and our children most importantly. This is an historical day. This second-stage home will serve all women regardless of race or colour. This is part of a continuum of care model to assist, heal and support our families. This home signifies understanding and growth. It’s a labour of love. It’s a transition home for women and children in crisis. We need to support the heartbeat of our nation, the centre of our homes, the lifesavers, our women… We are in the business of healing and supporting our women to raise strong families. We are in the business of breaking dysfunctional cycles, breaking patriarchy and colonial mindsets because our women are equal… There is no shame in asking for help. It’s actually a sign of courage and strength.

Canada’s National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10-year, $82-plus billion plan that will give more Canadians a place to call home. NHS is built on partnerships between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, and continuous engagement with municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations, and the social and private housing sectors. It was created after consultations with Canadians from all walks of life, including those who have experienced housing need. MLTC has operated the Waskoosis Shelter since 1992. A new shelter building was developed in 2020 and consists of 21 beds in six bedrooms, accommodating up to six families at a time.