Pushback from the community has prompted City officials to examine the possibility of developing 2950 and 2970 Lake Shore Blvd. W., into permanent, affordable supportive housing rather than a homeless shelter.
Councillor Mark Grimes says he has been meeting with the City’s Shelter, Support, and Housing Administration (SSHA) to ‘determine the best way to use this space to help people, while making the most effective use of the tools that our community already has to offer.’
Grimes moved a motion calling on City Council to explore supportive housing rather than just a homeless shelter.
This suggested shift comes as part of a report on the City’s Interim Shelter Recovery and Infrastructure Implementation Plan, which will go before the Economic and Community Development Committee on October 14 followed by City Council at the end of October, Grimes wrote on his website.
“If the recommendation to shift from investment in 1,000 new shelter beds to supportive housing is approved through this report, the proposed shelter at 2950-2970 Lake Shore Blvd. W., could be considered for affordable, supportive housing,” he said.
Supportive Housing provides longer term accommodations to people facing chronic homelessness, and is the most effective way to help individuals move from homelessness to homes, according to the site.
“This would be an exciting opportunity for the New Toronto community to be involved in this new approach to providing better solutions to homelessness for vulnerable residents by developing permanent supportive housing rather than temporary emergency shelter,” he stated.
The review is being conducted by third party Consultant, Hilditch Architect Inc. and if deemed feasible, SSHA will work with the Housing Secretariat to develop a proposal for the site and report back to Planning and Housing Committee with further details on implementation.
News of the proposed New Toronto shelter has divided the community with area home and business owners claiming they will lose their investment if the 95-bed municipal shelter is approved.
City officials say the almost $14-million sale of the property is slated to close by December or January and the buildings brought up to standards.
The shelter is expected to begin admitting the homeless late next year.