Saskatoon’s Prairie Harm Reduction facing big cash deficit that threatens closure
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Brandon Sun access to your Free Press subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
*Your next subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $20.00 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.00 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
SASKATOON – An organization that offers harm reduction services, including Saskatoon’s only supervised drug consumption site, says it may have to close its doors.
Prairie Harm Reduction says it has spent more money than it should have to deal with growing demand, leaving it with a significant deficit.
It says it’s seeking urgent financial aid to remain open and protect essential services.
The organization says it has also fired executive director Kayla Demong and that the board has assumed control — but it does not believe there was any wrongdoing.
Prairie Harm Reduction’s drop-in centre, along with two city libraries, had temporarily closed last year to give staff a break from dealing with more overdoses and heightened social disorder.
The organization also provides semi-independent housing for families and youth with high needs and has received provincial funding for such programs.
Neither Prairie Harm Reduction or Demong immediately responded to requests for comment.
“Over the past year, demand for our services has increased by nearly 300 per cent and it appears that in our effort to respond to that need and avoid turning people away, (Prairie Harm Reduction) spent more than our revenues allowed,” the organization said in a news release Tuesday.
It said it’s speaking with experts to conduct an independent review of its finances and provide a path forward.
“We are urgently seeking aid to keep our doors open and to protect essential services,” it said. “We require immediate community assistance to keep supporting the people who depend on us every day.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 24, 2026.