THUNDER BAY – The city will charge people living in the temporary shelter village rent to offset the overall cost of the project, but it “will not be a requirement to be admitted into a unit, says Cynthia Olsen, director of strategy and engagement.
Olsen told Newswatch, in a press briefing Monday, once an individual connects with available resources, such as ODSP, Ontario Works, or old age security, they will contribute a portion to the rental cost of the unit.
This will mean the city will act as a landlord to the shelter village residents, but not in the traditional ways.
Because the shelter village is part of the enhanced encampment response program providing “services like life skills, employment, or health services,” the city meets exemption criteria under the Residential Tenancy Act, according to Olsen.
Before the Hillyard site is shovel ready, staff will conduct several assessments, said Olsen, including an “archaeological assessment, environmental impact studies, environmental site assessment, flood assessment, and we'll also be conducting an on-site safety assessment, like we've done with other locations with community partners.”
Olsen gave a rough estimate of “a couple of weeks” for the assessments to be completed.
City staff will review the findings and discuss any alternative measures that may be needed before moving into the design phase of the project.
Olsen said at this time, the city is not expecting any increases to the capital or operating budget cap, but they are “currently collecting additional information along with those assessments that might come out as a result of the site safety assessments.”
In the meeting where council approved the site, city manager John Collin recommended increasing the operating budget cap from $1.5 million to $1.8 million to address transportation issues at the Hillyard site, which he estimated would cost $300,000. That recommendation was not adopted.
“Certainly, it's not just about the safety on the site, but it's about safety mitigation measures to ensure that residents would be connected with the services. At this time, I can't say where that might end up, but certainly we know that transportation may be required,” Olsen said.
The city is hopeful that it will reach its deadline to start building the shelter village in August, said Olsen.
The $2.8 million funding agreement with the province is at risk if the city does not have at least 40 units operational by Dec. 15 and all 80 units installed by Feb. 27, 2026.
Olsen said the Carrick Street Off Leash Dog Park and adjoining walking trail “will still remain as they are and for public use” and said the city does not expect any impacts to other projects in the area, such as a nearly 300-unit multi-residential development past the eastern end of Jasper Drive.
“We are very open to working collaboratively with nearby businesses and residents. We will be establishing a neighbourhood liaison committee just like we would for any of the locations we may have previously recommended. That will be part and parcel of the full project,” Olsen said.
“This will allow the opportunity for two-way communication between the local businesses and residents and the city and the operator. It gives us a point of contact to make sure that we're really staying on top of any concerns, or even highlighting the successes as they unfold.”
Olsen said the city plans to do a “specific session” of consultation with area businesses and residents, but the “date, time, and location are all to be determined.”
