The City plans to open an 80-bed municipal shelter on Third Street after a plan to install a mens’ shelter at 2950-2970 Lake Shore Blvd. (above) failed.
An 80-bed municipal shelter is planned for New Toronto to help provide critical services for those experiencing homelessness.
It will be the second attempt by City officials to build a large shelter in New Toronto. A 2020 attempt to install a 95-bed shelter at 2950 and 2970 Lake Shore Blvd. W. failed due to community backlash against the plan.
This time a property at 66 Third Street has been selected, with about 19 other sites across the City, to provide shelter for those living on the streets as they move toward permanent housing.
City staff in a release stated that it had secured 66 Third Street as a municipal shelter. Work has to be done on the property it is slated to open between 2028 and 2030.
One of the many 2020 divisive community protests that helped to block a 95-bed shelter at 2950-2970 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
The City said the shelter is part of the Council-approved Homelessness Services Capital Infrastructure Strategy, to open up to 20 shelters by 2033.
“These sites will help respond to demand and stabilize the shelter system,” the release said. “The City is committed to working with the local community to support the success of the site and has hired Community Engagement Facilitator Public Progress to lead engagement.”
By 2033, the City plans to develop up to 20 new purpose-built shelter sites, creating a total of about 1,600 shelter spaces.
The new facilities will be less institutional and ‘more home-like,’ according to the City, and will feature natural materials and amenity spaces.
The suites will be smaller containing each about 80 single beds, will be better designed, help offset capacity as temporary shelter sites close and provide shelter in areas of significant of Black and Indigenous focused spaces.
The shelters will be decorated with art and symbols so people of different backgrounds feel welcome.
Pets will be allowed in the shelters, which will have spaces for counselling, harm reduction and other health care services, according to a report.
Similar shelters are planned for 1615 Dufferin Street, 2535 Gerrard Street E., 2024-2212 Eglinton Ave. W., 68 Sheppard Ave. and 1220 Wilson Avenue.