Canada/Thunder Bay approves site for temporary homeless village

Thunder Bay City Council voted in favor of Kam River Heritage Park as the site of a temporary housing village for the homeless.

Councillors voted eight to five in favour of site selection at their meeting on Monday evening after more than four hours of debate. The decision will be submitted for final approval at the May 5 council meeting.

Councillors were also considering a site along Fort William Road, but the municipal administration recommended Kam River Park, as the land is owned by the City and is closer to support services.

The proposed village would include about 80 heated mini-homes for homeless people with shared toilets, showers and laundry facilities.

There would be on-site support and security staff available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Councillor Andrew Foulds voted in favour of the site.

At the meeting, he said that the safety and dignity of the city's homeless were essential.

Dozens, if not hundreds, of people live in our city without dignity, in difficult conditions. It's atrocious. I dare say it's shameful," he said.

The City of Thunder Bay reports that the project is supported by $2.8 million in external funding, reducing the municipal contribution by almost half.

The temporary housing village is not just a shelter, it's a pathway to stability, security and a brighter future for our entire community," said Rilee Willianen, the city's camp response manager, in a statement.

She added that the village will also reduce the public health and safety risks associated with unmanaged encampments, and improve cleanliness.

According to the Municipality, construction at Kam River Park is scheduled to begin this summer, with phased occupancy scheduled to begin by the end of the year.

Source: ici.radio-canada.ca/