The City of Thunder Bay is taking decisive action to address the growing challenges of unsheltered homelessness and encampments with the launch of its Human Rights-Based Community Action Plan.

As part of this comprehensive, ten-part strategy, administration is recommending a site for the Temporary Shelter Village Initiative. City Council has approved the initiative, conditional on the final site recommendation being presented on Nov. 25.

Following extensive evaluation, administration is recommending 114 Miles St E as the site for the Temporary Shelter Village, citing strong public support, alignment with municipal priorities, and feasibility. A public survey found that 68% of respondents favored this location over the alternative site, Kam River Heritage Park.

“Homelessness continues to be a significant challenge for our community, and this Temporary Shelter Village will provide immediate relief to those most in need,” said Rilee Willianen, Drug Strategy Specialist & Encampment Response Plan Lead. “We have listened carefully to the concerns and suggestions of our residents, local businesses, and those with lived experience of homelessness. With this initiative, we are taking important steps to provide dignity, safety, and stability to those experiencing homelessness while also preparing for long-term housing solutions.”

Willianen also acknowledged the work of the Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board and various community partners for working on long-term housing solutions, saying she doesn’t believe the village is a solution, but a stop gap until housing for all is realized.

The Temporary Shelter Village is one component of the City’s broader Human Rights-Based Community Action Plan. The plan is designed to address the immediate crisis of unsheltered homelessness while the City and external organizations work to expand long-term social, transitional, and supportive housing options.

Administration conducted a thorough evaluation of multiple potential sites, applying a set of clearly defined criteria. These included the proximity to essential services (healthcare, food programs, public transportation, etc.), available space for up to 100 units and amenities, readiness for construction, safety considerations, and alignment with ongoing municipal growth and revitalization goals.

Two sites emerged as viable options: 114 Miles St E and Kam River Heritage Park. Both sites met the criteria for the Temporary Shelter Village, but after careful analysis, 114 Miles St E was selected as the preferred location due to its lower cost, better proximity to supportive services, public feedback and more manageable size. This site has an estimated construction cost of $4–$4.3 million, and an estimated infrastructure cost of $1 Million, well within the City’s $5 million maximum contribution.

The site is well-suited for rapid construction and operation, with minimal site preparation needed. Additionally, its location near supportive services and public transportation enhances accessibility for those living in the Village.

“Engagement with the public has been integral to this process,” said Willianen. “The feedback we’ve received helps us make sure that this initiative meets the needs of the community while addressing the urgent issue of homelessness. The selected site reflects our commitment to safety, accessibility, and community engagement.”

While Kam River Heritage Park was considered a viable alternative, it is not the recommended option. The estimated infrastructure and construction costs at this location were significantly higher ($5.9–$6.8 million), primarily due to the need for extensive site preparation and upgrades to services. This is a key site in the South Core revitalization, and hosting the Temporary Shelter Village at this location would delay other efforts.

To support this initiative, $40,000 will be allocated annually to the Fort William BIA Budget to address concerns related to security and neighborhood revitalization. This funding will be part of the $1.5 million municipal operating cap for the project.

If approved by City Council on Nov. 25, the Temporary Shelter Village will be operational by April 30, 2025. Administration is committed to working closely with all stakeholders—people with lived experience, businesses, community organizations, service providers, and residents—to ensure a smooth implementation and continued public engagement throughout the project.

“The creation of this Temporary Shelter Village would represent an important step toward addressing unsheltered homelessness in Thunder Bay,” added Willianen. “Our work doesn’t end here. This initiative is just one component of a larger plan to ensure that everyone in Thunder Bay has a safe and stable place to live.”

 

- 30 -

 

Contact:        Stacey Levanen, Supervisor – Corporate Communications & Strategic Initiatives, 807-625-3650