Temporary Shelter Village

We are creating a Village to give people pathways out of homelessness and into housing. The Village will also help reduce the number of encampments in the city and the health and safety risks that come with them, making it easier to manage public spaces, and improve safety and well-being for the whole community.

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

The Temporary Shelter Village is one part of our 10-Part Enhanced Encampment Response Action Plan. The Village also supports work being done by the District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board and housing service providers to expand options across the full continuum of housing.

Addressing homelessness requires supports across the housing continuum, including both short-term and long-term, permanent solutions. 

Infographic description:

Non-Market Housing

The Village will always have staff and security on site, around the clock. The property will be fully fenced, well-lit, and include buffer zones to help keep it safe. Regular garbage collection and site inspections will make sure the grounds and surrounding area are kept clean.

Residents will be expected to follow a code of conduct that outlines rules and consequences, including how to keep the site and surrounding area safe and respectful for everyone. With staff, services, and security in place 24/7, the Village will be closely monitored, and the City will make changes if extra supports are needed. 

The City is committed to keeping the community up to date as the project moves forward. Updates will be posted on the City’s website and shared through social media.

A Neighbourhood Liaison Committee will also be created to bring together surrounding residents, businesses, Shelter Village staff, and City staff. This group will help ensure open communication and ongoing feedback. In addition, City staff will continue to be available to answer questions and hear concerns directly from the public.

Administration reviewed more than 50 City-owned properties for the Village. Sites were evaluated on criteria such as size, distance to services, safety, and how quickly construction could start. Staff also worked with a crime prevention through environmental design professional and the Thunder Bay Police Service to look at design features that support safety, such as clear sight lines and areas with natural visibility from nearby activity.

After reviewing staff’s analysis, City Council decided on the Hillyard Site at 879 Alloy Place. 

A low-barrier shelter removes common obstacles to accessing sheltering. This includes allowing couples and pets.

Harm reduction means meeting people where they are, recognizing that not everyone is ready or able to stop using substances. Supports may include safer use strategies, managed use, or abstinence. The goal is to improve health, reduce risks, and support residents in their housing journey.

Having a safe place to stay is the first step for people who are struggling with substance use. Without shelter, people often face constant stress, exposure to the elements, poor nutrition, and lack of sleep all of which make it much harder to focus on health or recovery.

The Shelter Village will give people a secure, private space and access to basic needs like warmth, food, and rest. Once those needs are met, residents are in a much better position to take the next steps to get the supports they need, such as connecting with health care, addiction supports, or treatment programs. Shelter creates stability, and stability is what allows people to start making changes in their lives, including addressing problematic substance use.

The City will track the success of the Temporary Shelter Village using clear measures. These include the number of encampments and people living outdoors, how many units are filled and for how long, and how often residents are accessing health and 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 make sure the project is meeting its goals.

Yes, where it is safe to do so. A pet policy is being developed for the safety of all residents, staff, and neighbours.

Yes. Each resident will sign an occupancy agreement outlining rules, responsibilities, and behavioural expectations. Violations may result in consequences, including termination of occupancy. 

The City will track the success of the Temporary Shelter Village using clear measures. These include the number of encampments and people living outdoors, how many units are filled and for how long, and how often residents are accessing health and support services.

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

Rilee Willianen, Encampment Response Lead – City of Thunder Bay
807-627-1453
sheltervillage@thunderbay.ca