THUNDER BAY — The City of Thunder Bay has released several conceptual drawings showing what the proposed temporary village at Kam River Heritage Park might look like.
City councillors, meeting as committee of the whole, approved the project Monday night, but must still ratify the decision at their meeting on May 5.
The city plans to establish 80 private, powered and heated units in the park, with 24/7 supervision and security, enhanced lighting and fencing.
The sketches show four rows of small structures separated by either a pathway or a roadway, a building labelled as a "community facility," a laundry building and two sets of washrooms.
Rilee Willianen, the city's encampment response lead, said the community facility will serve as a gathering space, but will also likely contain offices.
She said the drawings are subject to change as planning for the project continues.
The site was chosen over other locations including Miles Street East, Fort William Road, and Cumberland Street North, after months of deliberations.
City administration has said it recommended the park as a result of a comparative site analysis, but the choice was also informed by feedback from various community groups.
Subject to council approval and the completion of other necessary steps, construction will begin in July, and occupancy will be phased-in prior to winter.
"This decision reflects Thunder Bay's leadership in addressing complex challenges with compassion, innovation, and a clear focus on growth," Willianen said. "The temporary village shelter is not just a shelter – it's a pathway to stability, safety and a stronger future for our entire community."
A key reason the park was chosen is its proximity to 14 social support services that will be made available to residents of the village.
The initiative is intended to bridge the gap between homelessness and housing while providing access to essential health, housing and other support services.
Kam River Heritage Park is already used as an unmanaged encampment site, but Willianen said it will now be transformed into a cleaner, structured community with reduced public health and safety risks.
Multiple details, including how the occupants of the village will be selected, are still to be finalized.
That has to be worked out with a third-party operator the city has yet to sign an agreement with, said Willianen.
"We have had some discussions with the Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration board on how that might look as well, so that's going on at the same time."
She added "It's fair to say, though, that there would be a prioritization for folks who have barriers accessing the traditional emergency shelter system, because the whole goal of the village is to be low-barrier so people who might find themselves unable to take up emergency shelter for whatever reason can access the village."
Two requests for proposals must still be issued by the city – one for acquisition of the housing units, and the other to engage the third-party operator.
The temporary village is one element of the city's Enhanced Encampment Response Plan, and is currently projected to be in place for five years.
Officials have said some of the $2 million in infrastructure investments required to help establish the housing units will also set a foundation for the future revitalization of the park.
