Ontario Construction News staff writer
York Region’s housing and homelessness committee received a presentation Dec. 11, outlining three options for temporary emergency housing facilities being used in the Greater Toronto Area and in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Strategies include cabins, modular trailers and tension fabric structures. The Region is exploring alternative options to support the growing need for emergency housing.
Increasing housing unaffordability is resulting in people staying longer in emergency housing. In 2024, 2,252 people were experiencing homelessness, up 35% from 1,868 in 2023.
As of October 2025, York Region has about 300 emergency and transitional housing beds and 110 seasonal shelter beds available. These beds are often at or near full capacity. In 2025, almost 900 people have been supported in finding and/or keeping housing.
York Region is exploring temporary emergency housing options to address a growing demand for shelter caused by rising housing unaffordability.
The region’s housing and homelessness committee received a briefing Dec. 11 on three types of temporary facilities being used in other municipalities: cabins, modular trailers, and tension fabric structures. Similar facilities are in use in parts of the Greater Toronto Area and in Fredericton, N.B.
Increasing housing costs have led more people to remain in emergency housing longer. In 2024, 2,252 people experienced homelessness in York Region, up 35 per cent from 1,868 in 2023. As of October 2025, the region had roughly 300 emergency and transitional beds and 110 seasonal shelter beds, which are often at or near capacity. Nearly 900 people have received help finding or maintaining housing so far this year.
Staff have visited six Ontario municipalities that operate temporary housing programs—Hamilton, Peterborough, Toronto, Durham, Waterloo, and Simcoe—as well as a tiny homes community in Fredericton. The research examined site requirements, amenities, capacity, populations served, and service delivery models. Most facilities are prefabricated offsite, assembled onsite, and located on municipal land.
Cabins are small, detached units for individuals or shared accommodation, with electricity but no direct water or wastewater connections. Central buildings provide showers, laundry, and space for support services. Programs typically include 50 to 96 units, costing an estimated $2 million to $4 million to build and $1.5 million to $3 million annually to operate. Cabins may take up to a year to set up and often operate like transitional housing, with residents staying three to five years.
Modular trailers are prefabricated or repurposed units that can serve singles, couples, or families. Connected to municipal services, they require smaller land areas than cabins and can be relocated if needed. Staff visited 10- and 26-unit facilities in Durham and Simcoe. Capital costs range from $1 million to $4 million for 30 to 60 units, with annual operating costs around $1.5 million.
Tension fabric structures are large communal facilities accommodating 100 people or more, with showers, laundry, and dining areas but limited private space. Capital costs start at $3 million, with operating costs up to $3 million annually, and setup can take 18 months or more. High-density communal living poses challenges such as privacy concerns, heating and cooling issues, and supporting residents with complex needs.
All temporary emergency housing options require sites with municipal service connections and careful planning to address operational, financial, and land use considerations. While they can increase system capacity in the short term, York Region staff say the focus remains on building permanent, long-term emergency and transitional housing.
The region’s Homelessness Community Program’s 2026 budget is fully allocated, and additional funding would be required to move forward with temporary facilities. Staff will continue to monitor projects across Ontario and work with provincial and federal governments to advocate for sustainable, long-term housing solutions.
