* Please note that design renderings are drafts and subject to change. 

1. Why did the City of Thunder Bay create the Temporary Shelter Village? 

The City of Thunder Bay created the Temporary Shelter Village to give people pathways out of homelessness and into housing. The Village is also expected to reduce the number of encampments, help with better managing public spaces, and improve community safety and well-being for all.

An Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruling has also found that cities cannot require people to leave encampments unless truly accessible indoor shelter options are available. The Village will help the City meet this legal obligation while also improving conditions for people experiencing homelessness. 

2. Is this a permanent solution?

The City of Thunder Bay has committed to funding the Village for five years. It is designed to meet immediate needs while the District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB) and community partners expand the availability of permanent housing, supportive housing, transitional housing, and emergency shelter spaces.

3. How does this fit into the City's plan to address homelessness?

The Temporary Shelter Village is part of the City's 10-Part Enhanced Encampment Response Action Plan. It provides another option for people experiencing homelessness, especially those who face barriers to accessing emergency shelters. By providing a more dignified, indoor place to stay, the Village helps reduce encampments and connects people with services and supports to help them move toward permanent housing.

The Village is also part of the broader housing and homelessness response system in our community, which includes emergency shelters, housing programs, and support services that help people meet their immediate needs and move toward permanent housing.

4. Does the Village align with the City's Community Safety & Well-Being Plan?

 Yes. Housing and homelessness is a priority area in the City's Community Safety & Well-Being Plan.

5. Where is the Village located and how was the site chosen?

The Temporary Shelter Village is located at 879 Alloy Place.

The City assessed more than 50 City-owned properties based on factors such as size, access to services, safety, and how quickly the Village could be built. The City also worked with the Thunder Bay Police Service and a Crime Prevention through Environmental Design professional to support the assessment.

After reviewing the options, City Council approved 879 Alloy Place as the location for the Village.

6. What happens to the site when the Village closes?

The property has been equipped with water, sewer, and other services that could support future development. When the Village is no longer needed, the City will consider how the property can best be used in the future.

1. What is the current status of the Village?

The Temporary Shelter Village is now open and welcoming residents. Of the 80 units on site, 40 are currently connected to power and ready for occupancy. The remaining 40 units are expected to be connected to power by the end of October 2026.

The City is working with the Village operator to gradually welcome residents as the site becomes fully operational.

2. Who operates the Village?

Demetrakopoulos Enterprises Inc., operating as Shelter Village Thunder Bay, was selected through a competitive Request for Proposals process to operate the Village. The City oversees the Village through regular inspections, reporting, and ongoing communication with the operator.

3. What facilities are available on site?

The Village has 80 insulated and climate-controlled units, each with a lockable door for privacy and safety. Residents have access to washrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and shared indoor spaces. The site also includes offices and space for staff and security.

4. What support services are available?

Village residents have access to a range of services to support their health, well-being, and move toward stable housing. Village staff work with local service providers to help residents access the services they need.

These include help finding housing, connecting with health care, mental health and addiction services, transportation, and support with daily living skills. Breakfast and snacks are also provided on site.

1. How are residents selected?

Residents are referred to the Village through two pathways:

Emergency shelters can refer people who are staying in or seeking access to emergency shelter.

The City's Encampment Response Team can refer people experiencing homelessness who face barriers to accessing emergency shelters, such as couples or people with pets.

The Village operator reviews referrals and makes decisions about who can move in based on eligibility, priority, individual needs, and available space.

The Village does not accept walk-ins or self-referrals.

2. What is a "low-barrier" shelter? What does "harm reduction" mean?

A low-barrier shelter removes common obstacles that can prevent people from accessing indoor shelter. At the Village, this includes welcoming people with pets, allowing couples to stay together, and not requiring people to stop using substances or enter treatment before they can access shelter.

Harm reduction is an approach that focuses on keeping people safe and reducing the health risks associated with substance use. It recognizes that people have different needs and goals, and provides support without requiring them to stop using substances first.

Having a safe place to stay is an important part of this approach. Access to warmth, food, rest, and support can help people improve their health, connect with treatment or recovery services, and work toward stable housing.

3. Can couples stay together?

Yes. The Village has units that can accommodate two people, allowing couples to stay together.

4. Can residents bring pets?

Yes. Residents can bring pets to the Village as long as it is safe for everyone, including the animals. Residents must follow the Village's pet policy.

5. Do residents pay rent?

Residents who receive Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) may contribute their shelter allowance toward the cost of their stay, where applicable.

Paying rent is not a requirement to stay at the Village.

6. How is substance use managed?

Substance use is not allowed in shared or common areas of the Village. Additional safety measures are in place in private units to support resident safety.

Residents have access to harm reduction supports, connections to addiction and health care services, and referrals to treatment and recovery programs based on their individual needs and goals. Active substance use is not a barrier to accessing the Temporary Shelter Village.

7. Are visitors allowed?

At this time, visitors are not allowed at the Village unless approved by the operator.

8. Are there rules residents must follow?

Yes. All residents must sign an occupancy agreement that explains the Village's rules and expectations. These include respecting others, following safety requirements, and helping maintain a safe and welcoming environment.

If a resident breaks the rules, the response will be fair and appropriate to the situation. Depending on the circumstances and seriousness of the issue, this may include ending their stay at the Village.

1. How is the site kept safe and clean?

The Temporary Shelter Village has staff and security on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The property is fenced, well-lit, and has one main entry and exit point.

Staff and security regularly check the grounds, pathways, and shared spaces. Security cameras are also used to monitor shared areas. Garbage is collected regularly, and residents and staff help keep the site and surrounding area clean.

Residents must follow rules that set clear expectations for behaviour and safety. Substance use is not allowed in shared spaces or elsewhere on the property outside of residents' private units.

The City works closely with the Village operator to monitor operations, address concerns, and make improvements as needed.

2. How are noise, fires, or disturbances managed?

The Village has staff and security on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to monitor activities and respond to concerns as they arise.

Residents must follow rules about noise, safety, and respectful behaviour. Open fires are not permitted anywhere on the property or within units. Staff and security regularly check the site for potential hazards and take action when rules are broken or safety concerns arise.

Emergency services are contacted when needed.

3. How is community safety protected? What role do police play?

The Thunder Bay Police Service responds to criminal activity and public safety concerns at the Village, just as it does throughout the community. Village staff and security work with police and other emergency services when needed.

The City also monitors concerns raised by nearby residents and businesses and works with the Village operator to address issues as they arise.

4. Will property values decrease?

Research on similar transitional and supportive housing projects has generally found no significant negative impact on nearby property values.

The City recognizes that property values are important to residents and will continue working to ensure the Village is well-maintained and any concerns about its operations are addressed.

5. Will crime increase?

Evidence from similar projects shows no substantial increase in crime. Generally, crime was either reduced, remained unchanged, or grew at a slower pace compared to overall community trends.

The Village has 24-hour staff and security, controlled access, and rules to help maintain a safe environment. The City works with the Village operator and police to respond to safety concerns and monitor any impacts on the surrounding neighbourhood.

1. What happens with encampments near the Village?

Encampments are not permitted in the immediate area surrounding the Temporary Shelter Village. The City's Encampment Response Team regularly monitors the area and works with people experiencing homelessness to find other places to stay, including available indoor shelter options.

The City's approach focuses on outreach and voluntary relocation first. Enforcement may be used when necessary and appropriate, in keeping with applicable laws and City policies.

2. With the Village in place, will the City's approach to encampments in public areas change?

The Temporary Shelter Village increases the number of indoor shelter spaces available in Thunder Bay, giving people more options to move out of encampments and into safer accommodations.

The City's Use of Public Spaces By-law sets rules for everyone using public spaces, including specific rules for people sheltering outdoors. The By-law also outlines a gradual process for addressing encampments, with enforcement available when necessary.

The City remains committed to a human rights-based approach that focuses on working with people to find suitable alternatives and supporting voluntary moves wherever possible. The City must also continue to follow legal requirements around encampments, including considering whether suitable indoor shelter options are available before taking enforcement action.

The goal is to reduce encampments by helping people move to safer, more suitable locations, with enforcement used only when necessary and appropriate.

1. How much does the project cost?

The total cost to build and set up the Temporary Shelter Village, including construction and infrastructure, is estimated at $5.0 million. The City has secured $2.8 million in external funding to help cover these costs and continues to seek additional funding.

The City's contribution to operating costs is capped at $1.5 million annually.

2. How will success be measured?

The City will monitor the Village's progress using several measures, including the number of people living outdoors, the number of occupied units, and residents' access to support services. 

Another important measure is how many people move out of the Village and into stable housing. The City will also look at overall community impacts and benefits to assess if the project is meeting its goals.

The City will keep the public informed about the Village through its webpage, media updates, and reports to City Council.

3. What community engagement has been done on the City's response to encampments?

The City has heard from residents, businesses, service providers, Indigenous leaders, and people who have experienced homelessness to help shape its response to encampments.

This work has included more than 5,000 points of engagement through public surveys, focus groups, drop-in events, and discussions with community partners.

Community feedback continues to help guide the City's approach, including the operation of the Temporary Shelter Village.

4. How is the City keeping residents and businesses informed?

The City is committed to keeping nearby residents, businesses, and the broader community informed about the Temporary Shelter Village.

Updates are shared on the City’s website, media updates, and reports to City Council. The City is also establishing a Neighbourhood Liaison Committee that will bring together nearby residents, businesses, Village representatives, and City staff to share information, discuss concerns, and provide feedback.

City staff are also available to answer questions and respond to concerns from the public.

5. Can the community support the Village by donating or volunteering?

Community support is welcome. Opportunities to donate or volunteer depend on the Village's current needs and operations.

If you're interested in helping, please contact the City at sheltervillage@thunderbay.ca or 807-627-1453 to discuss how you may be able to contribute.