City of Toronto Announces Six New Shelters, Expands Winter Services | UrbanToronto

Yesterday, the City of Toronto announced the first six sites for new shelters under its 10-year Homelessness Services Capital Infrastructure Strategy (HSCIS), a response to the growing crisis for those experiencing homelessness. The City is also expanding its Winter Services Plan to provide further support during the cold season, including new warming centres and surge capacity spaces.

Toronto’s shelter system faces unprecedented demand, currently accommodating over 12,000 people nightly, while hundreds remain without shelter each night. “It’s so important for people to have a roof over their head and access to services that will help them move to housing,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. 

With plans to create up to 20 purpose-built shelters by 2033, including the six recently announced, the City is focused on stabilizing emergency accommodations while providing pathways to permanent housing for vulnerable residents. In 2023, the City helped more than 5,900 individuals transition from shelters into permanent housing. 

The six new shelter sites are located across Toronto to address gaps in services and meet the needs of diverse communities. These locations, chosen from over 100 assessed properties, include 1615 Dufferin Street, 2204–2212 Eglinton Avenue West, 2535 Gerrard Street East, 68 Sheppard Avenue West, 66 Third Street, and 1220 Wilson Avenue. Each site was selected based on factors like local demand, property suitability, and zoning feasibility. The first two shelters are expected to open in 2027, with the remaining sites anticipated between 2028 and 2030.

1615 Dufferin Street, image retrieved from Google Maps

These shelters are designed to be smaller and more community-focused, each accommodating approximately 80 individuals. By focusing on purpose-built facilities, the City aims to move away from reliance on temporary shelter hotels, providing safer, more sustainable environments that help residents transition to permanent housing. This is expected to save $127 per bed each night, and yield long-term savings of $74 million over two decades.

As temperatures drop, the City of Toronto has expanded its Winter Services Plan. Measures include additional warming centres, surge spaces, and increased shelter capacity. Metro Hall will serve as a new warming centre, while Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre will act as a surge warming centre during extreme cold, adding another 30 spaces. These new facilities bring the total number of warming centres across Toronto to seven. 

66 Third Street, image retrieved from Google Maps

The City is also opening a 24-hour winter respite at the Better Living Centre, which will gradually expand to accommodate 300 spaces by April. Additionally, daytime drop-in programs will operate with 200 additional hours weekly throughout the winter.

The Winter Services Plan also includes up to 286 new supportive housing and social housing units expected to come online throughout the winter season. An engagement process will involve residents and local businesses, encouraging communities to support vulnerable populations and those experiencing homelessness.

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