The province plans to turn another one of its shuttered liquor stores into a secure shelter space where police can drop off intoxicated people instead of holding them in jail cells.

Saskatchewan's third "complex needs emergency shelter" is slated for Prince Albert. On Monday, Prince Albert city council voted to rezone a property the province selected for the shelter.

The province plans to renovate the former Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority store at 99 Ninth Street E. to add shelter facilities and boost security measures around the property. A provincial official said at the meeting the work could be done by March 2026.

Some councillors think the shelter will help relieve pressure on police and health services.

"Making sure people are medically safe to return back to their life is not a police responsibility," said Coun. Dawn Kilmer. "Their time can be better spent helping others."

Such emergency shelters already operate in Regina and Saskatoon. Kilmer said she recently toured the Saskatoon shelter and expected a jail-like setting, but found it resembled more of a dormitory with extra security.

People using the shelter "are treated like a person who deserves to be treated in a dignified manner," Kilmer said.

"It's not a magic bullet. We are not going to one month after it opens see a difference in people being intoxicated on our streets. But what I do hope that we see is people recognizing that they can get help and support."

Staff will include clinical counsellors, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, support staff and security. When discharged, people are referred to support services such as an addictions treatment facility, mental health counselling or housing assistance.

Complex needs emergency shelters will only accept people taken into police custody under the Summary Offences Procedures Act.

That legislation allows for intoxicated individuals to be detained until they no longer pose a risk of harm to themselves or others, for a maximum of 24 hours.

The Regina shelter at 430 Pioneer Dr. and the Saskatoon shelter at Idylwyld Drive N. and 38th Street W. are a part of an 18-month pilot project. Prince Albert city council approved a three-year permit for the shelter there.

The vote was not unanimous. Two councillors opposed, citing concerns about the location and the province's site selection process.

Coun. Bryce Laewetz voted against rezoning the site because of its proximity to a proposed homeless shelter at the Exhibition Grounds. He said a residential area sits between the two proposed sites and he's concerned about the foot traffic through the neighbourhood.

Laewetz wanted the province to let the city have more of a role in site selection.

"We should have a say in all aspects of our city and where crucial buildings and services like this go," Laewetz said during the meeting.

Prince Albert Mayor Bill Powalinsky voted in favour of rezoning. He said some people are worried about property values, but he's heard that before.

"We have no evidence of that happening," Powalinsky said.

"I remember decades ago people were saying, 'Oh my heavens, if they open up a group home for people with intellectual disability, there goes the neighbourhood.' And in most part, those concerns were unfounded.

"The key thing is to have a sensitive and responsive operator, to have a really good program and to work well with the community."