Hamilton’s lower-barrier outdoor “temporary” tiny shelters will not open on December 20.
Mayor Andrea Horwath hoped to have the site open “before the snow flies,” with December 20 as the planned date.
However, delays mean it will not open until at least the middle of January.
In a memo to Council, Director of Housing Services Michelle Baird says the City expects the site to “open beginning in mid-January, with a phased in opening.”
Baird writes that “production delays” mean the “microshelters” and washroom facilities have not arrived.
Construction work was delayed in November when the Ministry of Labour issued stop-work orders against the City.
The City had two contractors on site—a security company and another company installing fencing—without a general contractor overseeing the work.
The City also failed to provide a list of designated contaminants on the site.
A week later, the City met the conditions of the orders, and work resumed on December 2.
During the past three weeks, construction on the site has included erecting fencing, pouring concrete pads to serve as a foundation and barrier over contaminated soil, and installing utilities.
The outdoor shelter will contain 40 tiny shelter units and common spaces including washrooms and eating areas, and provide 24/7 wraparound support services.
The site will operate as a “low-barrier” shelter with minimal rules to provide shelter to those unwilling and/or unable to access traditional indoor emergency shelters.
In 2023, Ontario’s Superior Court issued a ruling stating municipalities must provide low-barrier options to individuals restricted from traditional indoor shelters.
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Published: December 19, 2024
Last updated: December 19, 2024
Author: Joey Coleman
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