Regina’s Coachman Inn Faces Criticism Over Poor Conditions

A social services client, Sonya Scales, has raised serious concerns about the living conditions at Regina’s Coachman Inn, where she and her 13-year-old daughter are currently residing. After being placed in the hotel through social services, Scales described her experience as “deplorable,” citing issues such as visible cockroaches, bed bugs, and a pervasive foul odor.

Scales has been without permanent housing since June 2023. She explained to local news outlets that upon entering their assigned room, the conditions were alarming. “Before I even walked in there were people asking us to buy crystal meth. We opened the door and the smell was so sickening,” she said. Scales further elaborated on the unsanitary state, noting, “The mattress is so black. Cockroach and bedbug feces” were present throughout the room.

Community Response and Advocacy Efforts

Advocates for social services clients, including Ivy Kennedy, a councilor with the George Gordon First Nation, have expressed their frustration over the situation. Kennedy, who has worked in community services since the early 1980s, stated that such reports of poor conditions have become more frequent in the past decade. She called for immediate action, suggesting that the hotel either be permanently closed or removed from the list of accommodations for vulnerable clients. “They got to do something. This government has to take this off that list no more, and that’s what we want,” she asserted.

During a recent event in Regina, Carla Beck, the leader of the Saskatchewan NDP, voiced her alarm at the continued use of the Coachman Inn for housing social services clients. “I thought that the Coachman was closed,” she remarked. “Honestly, it’s my first response. All people in this province deserve dignity and deserve respect. I think this is the baseline.”

Government’s Response and Future Actions

In response to the allegations, the ministry of social services stated that it has implemented a process since March 2023 to secure accommodations through multiple hotel options in Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, and Moose Jaw. The ministry emphasized its commitment to balancing cost-effectiveness, safety, and availability in its selection process. A spokesperson indicated, “Rooms have been booked at the Coachman Inn and Suites through this process when appropriate. If a client has a health or safety concern regarding the room, we will look to secure alternate, available accommodations as we work with the hotel to address those concerns.”

Despite these assurances, the ministry’s statement has not quelled concerns from advocates and clients regarding the adequacy of the accommodations. CTV News reached out to the Coachman Inn for a comment but received no response. Additionally, a request for comments was submitted to the provincial health inspector, with no reply at the time of publication.

The situation at the Coachman Inn underscores ongoing challenges faced by vulnerable populations in Regina, highlighting the urgent need for improved housing solutions and better oversight of facilities providing shelter to those in need. As social services clients continue to navigate these obstacles, community advocates remain steadfast in their call for action and accountability.