A temporary shelter village for individuals experiencing homelessness in Thunder Bay, Ontario, has become operational after a long wait, and the first residents are scheduled to move in on Friday. Situated at 879 Alloy Place, the village comprises 80 sleeping cabins and communal buildings, including a kitchen, washrooms, laundry facilities, and a security office constructed by Thunder Bay’s ModBox Modular.
Describing the facilities, Rilee Willianen, the city’s supervisor of encampment response, highlighted that the units are climate-controlled with locking doors, suitable for single or double occupancy, and adaptable to residents’ needs. The initiative is part of Thunder Bay’s 10-part Enhanced Encampment Response plan, approved by the city council in 2024, although it faced delays due to public concerns about its location.
The project drew inspiration from similar ventures in Ontario, like Peterborough’s Modular Bridge Housing Community. Each living unit is furnished with essential amenities like a bed, desk, laundry and garbage bins, and a clothing rack. Notably, LifeguardLite panels on the walls enable residents to request monitoring while using substances, with built-in safety features like smoke detection sensors and evacuation alarms.
Residents are required to engage in a support plan to transition to permanent housing, with a maximum stay of four years permitted in the village. Eligibility for residency is determined using the Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (SPDAT), which assesses individuals’ needs urgently.
Operated by Demetrakopoulos Enterprises Inc., the village has a staff of 14 members providing round-the-clock supervision and support, including breakfast for all residents daily. Additionally, on-site services, security, and support are offered, such as peer supervision, assistance with daily tasks, transportation, counseling, and housing-focused support.
The provincial government contributed $2.8 million to the project, reducing the city’s initial $5 million capital commitment. With an annual operating budget of $1.5 million, the village aims to gradually increase occupancy, focusing on operational efficiency and successful functioning. Shelter operators are optimistic that the new shelter will alleviate winter pressures for individuals experiencing homelessness in Thunder Bay.
