Saskatchewan eyes opening for North Battleford complex needs facility next winter

“I’d really like to see it up and running by this winter, but it’s going to depend on the location and readiness,” Cockrill said.

He explained the model is aimed at changing how some situations are handled, particularly when police are repeatedly responding to incidents tied to addictions or mental health.

“We want the right people dealing with the right people,” he said.

“You think about the drain that it has been on the local RCMP detachment in terms of dealing with the same people over and over again – it may not even be a policing issue. It might be more of an addiction issue.”

He said the facility would provide a more appropriate place for people to access care instead of relying on emergency rooms or police custody.

Saskatchewan Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill, who is also the MLA for the Battlefords, speaks during a post-budget breakfast hosted by the Battlefords and District Chamber of Commerce in North Battleford on Friday, March 20, 2026. (Image Credit: Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

Cockrill said the model is also expected to reduce impacts on businesses and public spaces, where repeated incidents have increased security concerns, particularly in the downtown.

“We’ve seen this story happen here … a lot of us have been to the Downtown Eastside in Vancouver. I don’t want my community to look like that,” he said, referencing challenges seen in other cities grappling with addictions, mental health and public safety.

Similar facilities in Saskatoon and Regina, he said, have already shown positive results, with more than 90 per cent of individuals in Saskatoon connected to recovery-focused community organizations.

“You can’t leave them there. You can’t leave them after those 24 hours. We have to connect them to that recovery option that is so important in terms of healing people, but also helping to make our community safer and healthier at the end of the day.”

“It’s basically a 24-hour lockup that isn’t a jail cell,” he added, saying the approach is meant to provide a more dignified response for people in crisis.

Each site is expected to have about 15 spaces and would be operated by a contracted partner. Cockrill said the province is considering legislative changes to allow other professionals, such as paramedics, to refer individuals for admission rather than relying solely on police.

The new budget also includes funding and support for a $4-million Complex Needs Facility in Prince Albert, while work continues on a similar project in Moose Jaw.

“The Complex Needs Facility is just an avenue. It’s not the only avenue into recovery, but it’s another option that helps deal with multiple issues.”

Overall, the province is allocating $673 million toward mental health and addictions services this year.

Cockrill also pointed to several 2026-27 budget measures he said will benefit the Battlefords, including increased municipal revenue sharing – about $300,000 more for North Battleford and roughly $115,000 for the Town of Battleford.

He said the province is continuing planning work on a new district care facility and maintaining funding for the North West College campus renewal project.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com

by Kenneth Cheung

Saskatchewan eyes opening for North Battleford complex needs facility next winter

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