Toronto unveils plan to build six new shelters under 10-year infrastructure plan

Ontario Construction News staff writer

The City of Toronto this week revealed plans to build six new homeless shelters, the start of a 10-year strategy to build shelters citywide.

Currently, the shelter system provides emergency accommodations to about 12,000 people and council has approved a decade-long infrastructure strategy that will see up to 20 new shelters built by 2033.

“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. “This 10-year infrastructure strategy for shelters will allow the City to stabilize its emergency accommodations, create safer spaces for vulnerable people and achieve cost savings.”

The following sites will be the first to be developed into shelters:

• 1615 Dufferin St., near St. Clair Avenue West
• 2204-2212 Eglinton Ave. W., near Caledonia Road
• 2535 Gerrard St. E., near Victoria Park Avenue
• 68 Sheppard Ave. W., near Yonge Street
• 66 Third St., near Islington Avenue
• 1220 Wilson Ave., near Keele Street

Each shelter will be smaller by design and serve about 80 people, focusing on providing safety, comfort and resources to help residents transition to stable housing. The model will allow the city to transition out of expensive shelter hotels, leading to an anticipated savings of up to $127 per bed per night, representing $74 million in operating cost savings over 20 years.

However, there are a limited number of available properties in Toronto that meet the size, budget and zoning requirements needed to be a municipal shelter. To determine the first six locations, staff assessed more than 100 locations and selected six based on need in the area and the suitability of the property.

More information is available on the City’s website: www.toronto.ca/newshelters.

Toronto’s shelter system is made up of more than 100 sites, funded by the City and operated by not-for-profit partners.