Members of City Council are expected to vote on July 28 in favour of opening a controversial shelter for the homeless at the corner of Lake Shore Blvd. W. and Eight St., in New Toronto.

The former vacant office building and BiWay store at 2950 and 2970 Lake Shore Blvd. W., are already listed as a new shelter location that is ‘coming soon’ to Toronto.

The New Toronto shelter is among six listed on a city website as coming soon. The others are at 2299 Dundas St. W., 705 Progress Ave., 354 George St., 4117 Lawrence Ave. E., and 101 Placer Crt.

“The City will be adding 1,000 new permanent shelter beds along with replacement shelter beds for the George Street Revitalization project,” according to the website. “New locations will pilot a new shelter service model to help with the integration of services within their local communities.”

The City is in the process of purchasing the property at 2950 and 2970 Lake Shore Blvd. W., for re-purposing into a municipal shelter, the website explains.

“A community engagement plan will be developed for this site and will include a number of activities, including opportunities to speak to staff and to get involved with integrating the new service into the community,” it promises.

The website says City Council has delegated authority to staff to find and select new locations for shelters.

“The City is not required to seek community input or permission on the location of new shelter sites,” City officials say.

The City has set aside funds to maintain and bring the shelter up to standards and it is expected to be opened in 2022 with about 95 beds.

The acquisition was adopted on July 7 by the General Government and Licensing Committee and will be considered by City Council on Tuesday July 28.

The City said the two properties ‘create a large-sized property that allows flexibility in responding to changes in shelter standards and demand as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.’

The opening of a shelter has split members of the community with business and property owners who do not want the facility on their main street. There are many others who say the homeless require a place to live.

The shelter will serve equity-seeking groups such as seniors, people with disabilities, newcomers, individuals with mental health issues, the working poor, Indigenous people, people who identify as LGBTQ2S and other vulnerable groups.