Saskatoon’s Prairie Harm Reduction facing big cash deficit that threatens closure
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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.