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
It’s a city-wide effort that requires strong collaboration and shared responsibility.
The 10 Actions in the Plan
1. 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. |
2. 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. |
3. 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. |
4. 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. |
5. 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. |
6. 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. |
7. 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. |
8. 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. |
9. 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. |
10. 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. |
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