City of Toronto unveils first six shelter locations under new 10-year strategy, expands winter services for people experiencing homelessness

Today, the City of Toronto announced the first shelter locations under its Homelessness Services Capital Infrastructure Strategy (HSCIS). The first six locations mark the beginning of a 10-year strategy to build shelters citywide, providing necessary supports and creating more pathways out of homelessness for people in Toronto. The City also announced expanded Winter Services to support people experiencing homelessness during the cold weather, including new Warming Centres. 

The City is currently providing emergency accommodations to approximately 12,000 people and there continues to be unprecedented demand for shelter space. To meet that need and get better value for public dollars, Toronto City Council approved a decade-long infrastructure strategy that will see up to 20 new shelters built by 2033.  

The City will be developing the following six sites as shelters:  

• 1615 Dufferin St., near St. Clair Avenue West (see featured image)
• 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 

The City’s shelter system delivers person-centred, outcome-focused supports to benefit the well-being of individuals experiencing homelessness and help them find housing as quickly as possible.  

“It’s so important for people to have a roof over their head and access to services that will help them move to housing. 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,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. 

Each shelter will be smaller by design and serve approximately 80 people, focusing on providing safety, comfort and resources to help residents transition to stable housing. These facilities will accommodate diverse groups including Indigenous people, youth, women, men and couples. 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.  

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, the City assessed more than 100 locations across Toronto. These six sites have been selected based on need in the area and the suitability of the property.  

“All across our city people are struggling with the impacts of the housing crisis, and the need for indoor shelter is at an all-time high. The six new shelter sites are purposefully designed to meet clients’ needs and will help many people transition to permanent housing,” said Councillor Alejandra Bravo (Davenport), Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee. “The additional capacity in this year’s Winter Services Plan will also help more people in need of a warm space indoors this season, along with the investment in vital services like community drop-in programs and 24-hour respite spaces,” said Bravo.

The City is committed to the successful establishment of these shelters and the success of the clients, staff and neighbours. A comprehensive engagement process that invites residents and businesses to take an active role in integrating a new shelter into the community will be offered to neighbours of these six new locations.      

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

Winter Services Plan update 

The City is also adding to the services and resources announced in October to assist people experiencing homelessness during the cold weather. Additions include:  

• Metro Hall as a new Warming Centre, to be activated at minus five degrees Celsius and/or when a winter weather warning is issued. Available as of December 20, the site will feature 30 spaces. 
• Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre as a surge Warming Centre, activated when temperatures reach minus 15 degrees Celsius or colder. Also featuring 30 spaces, the site will be available for use beginning December 14.   

This brings the total number of Warming Centres to seven, including two surge sites. 

The 24-hour winter respite at the Better Living Centre, announced in October, will open next week, gradually ramping up to 300 spaces that will be available until April. The City has also expanded daytime drop-in program operations by 200 hours weekly for the winter season to support people in need. 

Shelter sector Holiday Wish List 

Support a meaningful cause this holiday season through the City’s annual Holiday Wish List. Residents can contribute essential items such as warm clothing, hygiene products and gift cards to local community agencies assisting individuals and families experiencing homelessness. To learn more and view donation details, visit www.toronto.ca/holidaywishlist  

Additional facts:  

• Toronto’s shelter system is made up of more than 100 sites, funded by the City and operated by not-for-profit partners. 
• Approximately 12,000 people are being accommodated within Toronto’s shelter system and in bridging hotels waiting for a shelter space. 
• In 2023, more than 5,900 people experiencing homelessness moved from the shelter system into permanent housing.    
• Residents who participated in 2024 budget consultations identified housing and shelters as a top priority. More information is available on the City’s website. 
• To stay up to date on the latest news about new shelter planning, visit www.toronto.ca/newshelters  
• To learn more about the Winter Services Plan, visit www.toronto.ca/community-people/housing-shelter/homeless-help/about-torontos-shelter-system/winter-services-plan-for-people-experiencing-homelessness 

SOURCE City of Toronto

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