Lakehead Social Planning Council says Oct. 9 snapshot is the city’s highest to date; nearly 180 people were outdoors in encampments or other locations

By NetNewsLedger Staff
Category: Local News

Thunder Bay — A one-day homelessness count on Oct. 9, 2025 identified 652 people experiencing homelessness in Thunder Bay—the highest total the city has recorded in a point-in-time survey, according to the Lakehead Social Planning Council (LSPC).

This is the highest that we’ve ever seen in Thunder Bay for a point-in-time count – something very apparent based on the homeless encampments across the city

What the snapshot shows

The 2025 count was led by LSPC with support from the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre and Lakehead University. It’s meant to provide a “numerical snapshot” of homelessness on a single day.

Of the 652 people identified:

• 198 were in emergency shelters

• 154 were in transitional housing

• 130 were staying in an encampment

• Others were in a domestic violence shelter, in custody, or outside at locations other than encampments

There were nearly 180 people were staying outdoors (in encampments or other outdoor locations), underscoring ongoing concerns about shelter capacity and safety.

Hidden homelessness not fully captured

The homeless Point in Time  tally does not include many people who are couch surfing or temporarily staying in homes without a fixed address. “They’re still experiencing homelessness that may only last for one or two nights … but that’s a really big issue,” she said.

Another significant finding: is that lmost half of the people in corrections actually have no fixed address, highlighting discharge planning and housing challenges for people leaving custody. The overfull district jail and correctional centre is in fact contributing to the homeless numbers.

Up sharply from last year

The 2024 count identified 557 people on a single October day. This year’s total of 652 represents an increase of 95 people.

The reality of the count is it is likely lower than the actual numbers of homeless in Thunder Bay.