Enhanced Encampment Response Plan

The City of Thunder Bay has created an Enhanced Encampment Response 10-part plan to improve how we respond to unsheltered homelessness and encampments in our community.

Encampments are a symptom of larger issues—like a lack of affordable housing, mental health services, and income supports. This plan focuses on improving health and safety, providing better support, and working toward long-term housing solutions.

It’s a human rights-based approach built on dignity, coordination, and care.

The plan brings together:

City departments
Health and social service agencies
Indigenous partners
People with lived experience of homelessness

It’s a city-wide effort that requires strong collaboration and shared responsibility.

The 10 Actions in the Plan

1. Advocate for Systemic Solutions

We’re calling on the provincial and federal governments to provide the funding and policy changes needed to address homelessness. Municipalities can’t do it alone.

2. Work Together for 360° Support

We’re coordinating with community partners, service providers, and people with lived experience to make sure people in encampments get full-circle support: food, health care, housing, and more.

3. Improve Clean-Up and Sanitation

We’re increasing garbage collection and sanitation services at encampment sites to reduce health risks and improve conditions for everyone.

4. Build the Temporary Shelter Village

We’re creating a safe and supportive Temporary Shelter Village with individual units and services to help people move toward more appropriate housing.

5. Explore Allowable Encampment Areas

We’re looking into up to three designated locations where services can be delivered more efficiently and safely, reducing the strain on emergency services.

6. Review Public Space By-Laws

We’re reviewing municipal by-laws to better manage how public spaces are used, including sheltering. This helps balance safety, rights, and responsibilities.

7. Launch an Encampment Response Team

We’re creating a dedicated response team to coordinate services, respond to concerns, support compliance, and work directly with people in encampments.

8. Centre Lived Experience

We’re establishing a Lived and Living Experience Advisory Committee to make sure people who have experienced homelessness guide the decisions we make.

9. Keep the Public Informed

We’re developing a communications and engagement plan to keep residents, service providers, and encampment residents updated and involved in this work.

10. Support Long-Term Housing Solutions

We’re working with The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board and housing partners to align this plan with long-term housing strategies. The ultimate goal is to get people into permanent, stable homes.

City Hall
123 Conestoga Drive
Glasgow G1 5QH

111-222-3333
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