The City of Toronto has announced six locations where shelters will be opened as a part of its 10-year strategy to help people experiencing homelessness.
These six locations will be the first of 20 new shelters built by 2033.
The locations are 1615 Dufferin St., near St. Clair Avenue West, 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 and 1220 Wilson Ave., near Keele Street
The City said it assessed more than 100 locations in Toronto and the sites were chosen based on the need in the area and the suitability of the property. It added there are limited available properties that meet the size, budget and zoning requirements of a municipal shelter.
Each site will house approximately 80 people and will accommodate diverse groups including Indigenous people, youth, men, women and couples.
The city’s strategy also includes providing necessary supports and creating pathways out of homelessness for people in Toronto.
Currently, the City provides shelter to around 12,000 people and there continues to be “unprecedented demand” for shelter space.
Scarborough Southwest councillor Parthi Kandavel spoke out against the proposed shelter in his riding at 2535 Gerrard St. East, telling CityNews back in October the City needed to “do more homework and due diligence.”
The property is currently an empty commercial building beside residential townhomes and across the street from a daycare.
The City added in its release that an 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 at all six of the new locations.