Thunder Bay Launches Urgent Site Assessments for New Shelter

UPDATE: The City of Thunder Bay has just announced that site assessments are now underway for its new temporary shelter village, aiming for construction to kick off as soon as next month. The council selected the Hillyard site, located at the end of Alloy Place, during their meeting last week.

“We are currently conducting a number of assessments,” confirmed Cynthia Olsen, the city’s director of strategy and engagement. These assessments include crucial studies on archaeology, environmental impacts, and safety, among others. “Once we get through these phases, we’ll review the findings and discuss any necessary mitigation measures before moving into design,” Olsen stated.

This shelter village is set to provide 80 sleeping cabins for Thunder Bay’s unhoused population, along with essential on-site support services designed to facilitate transitions to permanent housing.

City officials have budgeted approximately $5 million for construction and $1.5 million annually for operations. Additionally, if the city meets certain construction and occupancy timelines, they could secure an additional $2.8 million in provincial funding.

Olsen mentioned that the city has issued requests for proposals (RFPs) for both the design and operation of the village, with an extended deadline for the design-build RFP now set for August 1, 2023. This extension allows proponents to reassess their submissions based on the newly chosen site. However, the operator RFP is still under process, and details remain confidential.

The council’s decision to shift sites comes after previous considerations of the Miles Street East location. The Hillyard site scored 73 percent on the city’s ranked site analysis, noted for being municipally owned and large enough to fit the required units. However, it does pose challenges, including distance from transit and high traffic safety risks.

“We are aware that some nearby businesses have concerns,” Olsen noted, emphasizing the city’s commitment to engage with them. Plans are underway to establish a neighborhood liaison committee to facilitate communication between local businesses, residents, and the city.

Community feedback has been mixed. Brendan Carlin, executive director of Shelter House, expressed preference for the Miles Street East site due to its proximity to support services. “I feel like Hillyard was chosen quite suddenly, and there wasn’t a real good debate around it,” he stated. Carlin cited concerns over the distance from essential services, which could impact residents of the new shelter.

The city’s commitment to the Hillyard site reflects an urgent need to address homelessness in Thunder Bay. With construction anticipated to begin shortly, the community is poised for significant developments. As the project evolves, residents and stakeholders will be watching closely for updates on the assessments and operational plans.

What happens next? The city will continue its assessments and community engagements, with hopes of seeing construction commence in August. This project is not just about providing shelter; it aims to create a supportive environment that empowers individuals towards stability and self-sufficiency.

Stay tuned for more updates as Thunder Bay works to transform the Hillyard site into a beacon of hope for its vulnerable population.