The 10-Part Enhanced Encampment Response Plan
The City of Thunder Bay has created an Enhanced Encampment Response 10-part plan to improve how we respond to unsheltered homelessness and encampments in our community.
Encampments are a symptom of larger issues—like a lack of affordable housing, mental health services, and income supports. This plan focuses on improving health and safety, providing better support, and working toward long-term housing solutions.
It’s a human rights-based approach built on dignity, coordination, and care.
The plan brings together City departments, health and social service agencies, Indigenous partners, people with lived experience of homelessness in a city-wide effort that requires strong collaboration and shared responsibility.
- Advocate for Systemic Solutions
We’re calling on the provincial and federal governments to provide the funding and policy changes needed to address homelessness. Municipalities can’t do it alone. - Work Together for 360° Support
We’re coordinating with community partners, service providers, and people with lived experience to make sure people in encampments get full-circle support: food, health care, housing, and more. - Improve Clean-Up and Sanitation
We’re increasing garbage collection and sanitation services at encampment sites to reduce health risks and improve conditions for everyone. - Build the Temporary Shelter Village
We’re creating a safe and supportive Temporary Shelter Village with individual units and services to help people move toward more appropriate housing. - Explore Allowable Encampment Areas
We’re looking into up to three designated locations where services can be delivered more efficiently and safely, reducing the strain on emergency services. - Review Public Space By-Laws
We’re reviewing municipal by-laws to better manage how public spaces are used, including sheltering. This helps balance safety, rights, and responsibilities. - Launch an Encampment Response Team
We’re creating a dedicated response team to coordinate services, respond to concerns, support compliance, and work directly with people in encampments. - Centre Lived Experience
We’re establishing a Lived and Living Experience Advisory Committee to make sure people who have experienced homelessness guide the decisions we make. - Keep the Public Informed
We’re developing a communications and engagement plan to keep residents, service providers, and encampment residents updated and involved in this work. - Support Long-Term Housing Solutions
We’re working with The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board and housing partners to align this plan with long-term housing strategies. The ultimate goal is to get people into permanent, stable homes.
Temporary Shelter Village
As a part of the 10-Part Plan, we are building a Temporary Shelter Village. These 80 temporary indoor sheltering units with comprehensive wrap-around services are provided as a Housing First approach to encampments.
These units will provide immediate, secure shelter while offering access to essential services such as hygiene facilities, healthcare, mental health support, and employment assistance.
The intent of this approach is to not only improves residents' quality of life but also addresses the root causes of homelessness, helping individuals transition from temporary shelter to long-term housing. By stabilizing people in a supportive environment, the Housing First model reduces the need for reactive measures and leads to more sustainable outcomes.
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