After nearly two years of extensive research, public input, and in-depth review, the City is recommending 114 Miles Street East as the site for the Temporary Shelter Village.

This decision follows a comprehensive process that began in 2022 when City Council endorsed a human rights-based approach to encampments. In April 2023, Council approved the Enhanced Encampment Response Plan – a 10-part action plan grounded in dignity, respect, and the right to housing.

Throughout 2024 and 2025, Administration evaluated dozens of potential sites, engaged with the public and service providers, analyzed zoning and environmental data, and reviewed safety concerns. The Miles Street site has consistently emerged as the most suitable location — strongly supported in community surveys, staff analysis, and independent safety assessments.

“This is about creating safer, supported shelter options that help people transition out of homelessness and into housing. The Temporary Shelter Village is a practical, coordinated step that will improve conditions for residents living unsheltered and for the broader community,” said Rilee Willianen, Encampment Response Lead. “It is part of a bigger picture to strengthen Thunder Bay’s housing system, reduce strain on emergency services, improve public health and safety, and support downtown revitalization.”

She added that the Village is not permanent housing, but a temporary, supported alternative to encampments that provides heated sleeping cabins, shared washrooms, meals, and 24/7 staffing. It helps individuals stabilize and connect to health services and housing through community partners, like the District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB).

Over the last two years, Council has received numerous reports detailing the City’s efforts to improve encampment response. These included public engagement, environmental reviews, site evaluations, and consultation with Thunder Bay Police Service, Fire Rescue, EMS, and community-based service providers.

Additional steps in the project include:

  • Council’s adoption of a human rights-based approach in May 2023.
  • Approval of a ten-part Community Action Plan in fall 2024.
  • A Council-approved budget of $5 million in early 2025.
  • Successful grant of $2.8 million in external funding to support the capital construction.
  • Site evaluations of over 50 locations, narrowed to three viable candidates: Miles Street, Cumberland Street, and Hillyard Street.
  • Comprehensive analysis by staff, CPTED specialists, and public safety officials to determine feasibility, risk, and community fit.

The project must meet specific funding deadlines. At least 40 units must be ready for a phased approach to occupancy by December 15, 2025, and the remaining units must be fully operational by February 27, 2026. Delays in site confirmation means risk of forfeiting the $2.8 million grant.

Why the Miles Street Site?

After exhaustive review, Administration has determined that 114 Miles Street East is the most suitable site based on cost-effectiveness, safety, access to services, and readiness for construction.

It also offers a centralized, manageable location that meets resident needs while minimizing community disruption, as well as:

  • Cost Efficiency: Estimated project costs are $4–$4.5 million—below budget and more cost-effective than other options.
  • Service Proximity: The site is within walking distance to over 14 social, health, and housing support services and a transit hub.
  • Safety: It is the preferred site identified by a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design professional and identified as posing the least risk to residents by the TBPS for visibility, access, and emergency response.
  • Land Use Compatibility: Already zoned for emergency shelter use, which aligns with the City’s Official Plan and Zoning By-Law.
  • Public Support: The site ranked highest in two separate community engagement surveys.
  • Construction Readiness: No major environmental unknowns; site remediation is budgeted and feasible within project timelines.
  • Downtown Revitalization: The project complements efforts to reduce encampments, improve cleanliness, and support long-term planning in the South Core.

To help address concerns and support the surrounding area, the City is including several proactive measures in the project. These include creating a Neighbourhood Liaison Committee to support open communication, providing $125,000 each year to the Fort William BIA to enhance cleanliness and security, and allocating $50,000 in the City’s budget for additional maintenance and beautification in the South Core. The project also includes installing new Eye on the Street cameras, pending public consultation, and removing 142 Simpson Street from future recognized encampment zones to reduce pressure on nearby spaces.

If approved and ratified by City Council, procurement and construction will proceed immediately to meet the required deadlines. Construction is targeted to begin in August.

** Recently some misinformation was shared about the Temporary Shelter Village project on social media. Below are clarifying points to address it.**

Why is the Miles Street site being recommended again?

At the June 23, 2025, meeting, Council officially reversed its earlier decision to use Kam River Park for the Village and then directed Administration to review other possible sites, including those that had previously been reviewed by City Council. Recommending Miles Street now is in response to that direction.

The Miles Street site is unsuitable because it is mostly paved and gets too hot in the summer, claiming it’s the hottest area in the city and lacks natural elements like grass and shade.

While heat is a concern, especially for people living outdoors, the good news is that this risk can be managed at the Village. Unlike tents, the Village units will be insulated and include both heating and air conditioning to keep residents safe and comfortable year-round. The site will also include trees, landscaping, and shade structures to reduce heat.

Miles Street site is unsuitable because there is environmental contamination.

There are manageable environmental issues that will be addressed within the project’s established budget. The presence of such issues is typical for sites in developed areas, often stemming from past activities, adjacent land uses, imported fill, or naturally occurring substances.