The City of Thunder Bay is moving forward with the development of its long-awaited temporary shelter village, but an exact timeline for construction commencement remains undisclosed.
In July, the council greenlit the Hillyard site, situated at the terminus of Alloy Place, as the designated spot for the village. However, Coun. Michael Zussino proposed a motion to retract the decision and opt for an alternative location.
Progress at the Hillyard site was halted until the council deliberated and voted on Zussino’s motion, which occurred during a recent meeting. Subsequently, Cynthia Olsen, the city’s director of strategy and engagement, announced that work has recommenced.
Olsen affirmed that comprehensive site assessments and safety evaluations have been finalized. Any identified risks have been deemed manageable, with mitigation measures set to be integrated into the site’s design and operational blueprint.
The city is currently in the final stages of preparing requests for proposal (RFPs) to procure a designer, builder, and operator for the village. A concrete timeline for the start of construction will only be ascertainable post the finalization of these RFPs.
Upon completion, the village will feature approximately 80 sleeping cabins for the homeless population of the city, along with support services to aid in their transition to permanent housing.
Additionally, the city is establishing a neighborhood liaison committee comprising city officials, local businesses, residents in the vicinity, and the village operator.
With an allocated budget of around $5 million for construction and $1.5 million annually for operation, the city is also eyeing potential provincial funding of $2.8 million contingent on meeting construction milestones by year-end.
Acknowledging challenges at the Hillyard site, McKellar Ward Coun. Brian Hamilton expressed concerns over added complexities for service providers. Despite acknowledging the necessity of a site, he believes the new temporary village may hinder service delivery due to unnecessary barriers.
Olsen emphasized ongoing efforts to address identified risks at the Hillyard site, focusing on aspects like visibility, fencing, and emergency access points. Moreover, the city is actively seeking ways to improve transit services for village residents.
In the pursuit of additional funding, the city is exploring avenues to enhance transportation and access for village occupants to vital community services. Olsen emphasized the quest for operational funds to meet these essential needs.
