City Admin Says Proposed village would provide safer housing, health supports, and 24/7 care for Thunder Bay’s unhoused population
THUNDER BAY – LOCAL NEWS – Thunder Bay City Council will review a key recommendation on Monday, April 28 that could see the Kam River Heritage Park transformed into the location for a Temporary Shelter Village—a project designed to provide urgent support for people experiencing homelessness.
The site recommendation is part of the City’s Enhanced Encampment Response: A Human Rights-Based Community Action Plan, which aims to create safer, more dignified alternatives to unmanaged encampments.
Up to 80 Heated, Secure Units with Round-the-Clock Care
If approved, the shelter village would offer up to 80 individual units—each heated, powered, and lockable—alongside shared amenities like washrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and 24/7 staffing and security.
Residents would also have access to on-site healthcare, housing navigation, and social services, helping them stabilize and move toward more permanent housing solutions.
“The Temporary Shelter Village will provide a safer, healthier alternative to unmanaged encampments,” said Rilee Willianen, Encampment Response Lead. “It’s a practical step that can improve conditions for the whole community.”
Funded and Forward-Focused
The project is supported by $2.8 million in secured external funding, covering the bulk of capital and construction costs. An additional $2 million in infrastructure investment from the City is expected to support long-term development and future revitalization efforts.
The City says using municipally owned land keeps costs low while maximizing community return on investment—especially in terms of public health and safety outcomes.
Strategic Plan Goals: Reconciliation, Housing, and Community Design
The proposed shelter village aligns with the City’s 2023–2027 Strategic Plan, which includes commitments to:
-
Advance Truth and Reconciliation
-
Reduce Indigenous homelessness by 50% by 2027
-
Improve urban design and inclusive service access
Rising encampment numbers in Thunder Bay since 2020 have highlighted the urgent need for structured, compassionate solutions. City officials say this plan provides a critical step forward.
Assessing Thunder Bay’s Capacity to Operate Proposed Temporary Shelter Village
As Thunder Bay City Council considers establishing a Temporary Shelter Village at Kam River Heritage Park, questions arise regarding the City’s capacity to manage such a facility.
The proposed village aims to provide up to 80 heated, powered, and lockable units with shared amenities and 24/7 staffing, offering a safer alternative to unmanaged encampments.
City’s Experience in Homelessness Services
The City of Thunder Bay has developed the Enhanced Encampment Response: A Human Rights-Based Community Action Plan, reflecting a commitment to addressing homelessness.
However, the City does not directly operate emergency shelters or transitional housing facilities. Instead, it collaborates with organizations like the District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB), which manages community housing and homelessness prevention systems in the district .
TBDSSAB’s Housing Portfolio and Challenges
TBDSSAB oversees a substantial housing portfolio, managing 2,473 community housing units and funding approximately 1,075 units operated by 21 non-profit providers. Despite this extensive reach, the organization has faced criticism over safety and maintenance issues in several properties, including Limbrick Place, Windsor Street, RK Andras Court, and Assef Court.
A 2024 tenant survey highlighted persistent concerns about cleanliness, garbage disposal, and safety. Residents reported issues such as drug and alcohol activity, unauthorized individuals entering buildings, and a general feeling of insecurity. These challenges suggest systemic issues in property management and tenant support.
Tenants are posting images of the conditions in their buildings at some of the TBDSSAB run properties on social media. Those images paint a picture of an organization doing all it can, under conditions that are continuing to deteriorate.
Recent Investments and Initiatives
In response to these concerns, TBDSSAB has initiated several measures:
-
Building Condition Assessments: In 2024, TBDSSAB conducted assessments across its properties, identifying 92% of units as being in good or fair condition. However, maintaining these standards requires ongoing investment in capital repairs and preventive maintenance.
-
Affordable Housing Projects: Over the past three years, TBDSSAB has added approximately 190 new affordable housing units. Additionally, the organization received over $2.9 million through the Affordable Housing Fund to repair 2,109 units across Thunder Bay.
-
Supportive Housing Developments: In partnership with Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services, TBDSSAB is involved in developing supportive housing units, including a multi-family complex on Huron Avenue.
Operational Capacity for Shelter Management
While TBDSSAB has experience in housing development and maintenance, managing a Temporary Shelter Village presents unique challenges:
-
24/7 Staffing and Security: Operating a facility that requires round-the-clock staffing and security necessitates specialized personnel and protocols, areas where TBDSSAB may lack direct experience.
-
On-Site Support Services: Providing comprehensive support services, including healthcare, housing navigation, and social services, requires coordination with various agencies and trained professionals.
Given these requirements, partnering with organizations experienced in shelter operations, such as Shelter House Thunder Bay or The Salvation Army’s Journey to Life Centre, may enhance the effectiveness of the Temporary Shelter Village.
Shelter House Thunder Bay’s Expertise
Shelter House Thunder Bay operates a 62-bed emergency shelter open 24/7, providing services to men, women, and youth aged 16 to 25 . Their programs include:
-
Emergency Shelter: Offering barrier-free sleeping accommodations.
-
Meal Program: Providing three hot meals daily and additional food services.
-
Kwae Kii Win Managed Alcohol Program: Supporting individuals with chronic alcoholism and homelessness .
Shelter House employs trained staff experienced in harm reduction, mental health support, and case management, making it a strong candidate for managing the proposed shelter village.
The Salvation Army’s Journey to Life Centre
The Salvation Army’s Journey to Life Centre offers:
-
Emergency Shelter: Accommodating up to 42 men with case management support .
-
Correctional Residential Facility: Providing a halfway house environment for federal parole clients.
-
Homes for Special Care: Offering long-term housing for individuals with mental and developmental challenges .
Their comprehensive programs and experienced staff position them as another viable option for operating the shelter village.
Recommendation
Given the specialized nature of operating a shelter village, it may be prudent for the City to partner with experienced organizations like Shelter House or The Salvation Army. These agencies have established infrastructures, trained personnel, and a history of providing comprehensive services to individuals experiencing homelessness.
Learn More
To review the full Enhanced Encampment Response plan and learn more about the project, visit: www.thunderbay.ca/enhancedencampmentresponse