Michael Lewis
Special to Ontario Construction News
The first set of modular cabins has arrived at London’s Micro-Modular Shelter project, with the project on track subject to site conditions to see people experiencing homelessness to begin moving in by mid-January.
Twenty micro-shelters arrived by flatbed truck just before Christmas while the remaining forty are to be delivered in the next few weeks.
Electrical connections and installation of facilities including water and sewer is in progress with road paving to begin in the first week of January, the city said in an online update.
London’s municipal government purchased the 60 micro-shelter units manufactured by Stoney Creek-based Fero International Inc. for $1.26 million to provide a safe, private and supported space for individuals and couples selected through a community-wide assessment system.
National security firm Xpera has been hired as project operator to provide services including custodial and maintenance work and 24/7 supervision.
The project is to provide housing until April 2027 with the $7 million cost for site preparation, utility connections and other expenses to be paid from the city’s contingency reserve fund.
The ten-by-ten foot, pet friendly micro-shelters will include sleeping pods with beds, storage, and heating and cooling. Fero says the units are designed for quick setup on any flat surface without heavy foundations.
Located on city owned rural land in southeast London, the project will use service trailers for showers, shared washrooms, laundry, kitchen and dining facilities, with meals provided onsite, along with office space, parking and a designated dog walking area.
