Temporary Shelter Village

We are creating a Village to give people pathways out of homelessness and into housing. The Village will also help reduce the number of encampments in the city and the health and safety risks that come with them, making it easier to manage public spaces, and improve safety and well-being for the whole community

An Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruling ruling has also found that cities cannot require people to leave encampments unless accessible indoor shelter options are available. The Village will help the City meet this legal obligation while also improving conditions for those living unsheltered.

The Temporary Shelter Village is one part of our 10-Part Enhanced Encampment Response Action Plan. The Village also supports work being done by the District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board and housing service providers to expand options across the full continuum of housing.

Addressing homelessness requires supports across the housing continuum, including both short-term and long-term, permanent solutions.

Infographic description:

Non-Market Housing

The Village will have staff and security on site 24/7. The property will be fenced, well-lit, and include buffer zones to help keep everyone safe. Garbage will be collected regularly, and staff will check the site daily to keep the grounds and nearby area clean. Residents will be expected to follow a code of conduct that explains the rules, what’s expected of them, and what happens if rules are broken.

To support safety, staff will walk through the site at irregular intervals, including the pathways and common areas. Security staff will monitor video cameras from an on-site office, and there will be one main entrance that is always supervised. All visitors will need to sign in when they arrive. Staff and security will watch for concerns like weapons, unsafe behaviour, or suspected drug dealing and will step in as needed. Residents may use substances only inside their own units as using them anywhere else on the property will not be allowed.

With staff, services, and security in place 24/7, the Village will be closely monitored, and the City will make changes if extra supports are needed.

Staff and security will always be on site. Entry to the site will be restricted and monitored, with all guests required to register at the main entrance. Staff and security will also conduct regular checks of the property for the safety of both the Village and nearby areas.

The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) will continue to be responsible for public safety issues and criminal matter issues. The third-party operator, like all other shelter and housing providers, will work with the TBPS if there are public safety issues and criminal matters at the Village.

Based on lessons learned from similar projects, once the Temporary Shelter Village is open, encampments will not be allowed in the immediate surrounding area. The City’s Encampment Response Team will regularly monitor the area and work with people to relocate. Where enforcement is required, ‘Trespass Notices’ will be issued and enforced.

The City is committed to keeping the community up to date as the project moves forward. Updates will be posted on the City’s website and shared through social media. A Neighbourhood Liaison Committee will also be created to bring together surrounding residents, businesses, Temporary Shelter Village staff, and City staff. This group will help with open communication and ongoing feedback. In addition, City staff will continue to be available to answer questions and hear concerns directly from the public.

Administration reviewed more than 50 City-owned properties for the Village. Sites were evaluated on criteria such as size, distance to services, safety, and how quickly construction could start. Staff also worked with a crime prevention through environmental design professional and the Thunder Bay Police Service to look at design features that support safety, such as clear sight lines and areas with natural visibility from nearby activity. After reviewing staff’s analysis, City Council decided on the site at 879 Alloy Place.

Since Council approved the site, the City has carried out a number of studies to make sure the location is safe and appropriate for the Temporary Shelter Village. These include checks for environmental impacts, soil contamination, flood risk, and any archaeological concerns. The City also worked with Thunder Bay Police Service and community partners, and a Crime Prevention through Environmental Design Professional to complete safety assessments.

Site preparation started in late October 2025, beginning with tree clearing.

A low-barrier shelter removes common obstacles to accessing shelter, including allowing couples and pets.

Harm reduction means meeting people where they are, recognizing that not everyone is ready or able to stop using substances. Supports may include safer use strategies, managed use, or abstinence. The goal is to improve health, reduce risks, and support residents in their housing journey

Having a safe place to stay is the first step for people who are struggling with substance use. Without shelter, people often face constant stress, exposure to the elements, poor nutrition, and lack of sleep all of which make it much harder to focus on health or recovery.

The Village will give people a secure, private space and access to basic needs like warmth, food, and rest. Once those needs are met, residents are in a much better position to take the next steps to get the supports they need, such as connecting with health care, addiction supports, or treatment programs. Shelter creates stability, and stability is what allows people to start making changes in their lives, including addressing problematic substance use.

Substance use will not be allowed in shared or public areas of the Village. Security and program staff will ensure that substance use remains limited to private units in accordance with Village guidelines. Residents will be able to use substances privately in their own units, where safety measures are in place. Each unit will have an emergency alert system so staff can respond quickly in the event of an overdose or other emergency. In addition, residents will have access to harm reduction support and connections to addictions health care to help them use more safely and, when ready, work toward treatment and recovery.

Yes, where it is safe to do so. A pet policy is being developed for the safety of all residents, staff, and neighbours

Yes. Each resident will sign an occupancy agreement outlining rules, responsibilities, and behavioural expectations. Violations may result in consequences, including termination of occupancy.

The City will track the success of the Temporary Shelter Village using clear measures. These include the number of encampments and people living outdoors, how many units are filled and for how long, and how often residents are accessing health and support services. Another important measure is how many people move out of the Village and into stable housing. The City will also look at overall community impacts and benefits to make sure the project is meeting its goals.

Rilee Willianen, Supervisor, Encampment Response – City of Thunder Bay
807-627-1453
sheltervillage@thunderbay.ca