Ontario Construction News staff writer
Thunder Bay city council has approved plans to construct a temporary shelter village at Kam River Heritage Park, with construction expected to begin in July.
The village will include up to 80 heated, powered mini-cabins to provide transitional housing for people experiencing homelessness. The first residents are expected to move in by late 2025.
City officials said the site was chosen for its proximity to 14 local social service agencies and an existing encampment. Council finalized its decision Monday after voting in favour of the project last week.
The city has allocated $5.5 million for construction and will spend $1.5 million annually on operations. Up to $2.8 million in external funding, secured by the Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB), could offset the capital costs if the project is completed by December.
Two separate requests for proposals (RFPs) will be issued in the coming weeks — one for the construction of the shelter village and another for its ongoing operations. The city will seek a third-party operator and will not manage the site directly.
The village will also feature shared washrooms and laundry facilities, 24/7 staffing and safety support, and access to health, housing and social services.
“This project aims to transform an unmanaged encampment into a safer, more supportive environment,” the city said in a statement, noting that early renderings may be subject to change as planning progresses.
The city says the project is part of a broader effort to respond to homelessness with “low-barrier, compassionate solutions” while permanent housing strategies continue to develop.
