Sask. social services books block of hotel rooms in Saskatoon, Regina clients [Video]

The provincial government has secured a group rate on hotel rooms for social assistance clients with a one-year $1.25 million commitment.

Accommodations for emergency situations will be provided in both Regina and Saskatoon when emergency shelters in the cities are full.

Those in need in Regina will stay at the Travelodge in the city’s east end. In Saskatoon, people will stay at The Country Inn and Suites, not far from the airport.

“So this is a pilot that we’re looking at for the next year to try and get the best possible deal we can within the Ministry of Social Services,” Minister of Social Services Gene Makowsky said.

Five rooms will be reserved at each hotel nightly. That works out to about $100 a night per room plus a $200 damage deposit which will be refunded if there are no damages done following a stay.

“And that comes at a …