THUNDER BAY – The city will put forward their recommendation to enter into a lease agreement with Lakehead Region Conservation Authority (LRCA) to use a portion of its land at 1111 Fort William Road for the shelter village.
Rilee Willianen, encampment response lead, said the location fits the site selection criteria.
The selection criteria include having space to build up to 80 to 100 units, being close public transit and essential health and social services, existing encampment activity nearby, and existing power, water and sewer hookups to allow for quick construction.
Being close to essential services was the most highly weighted criteria when looking for a site, she said.
Although the rejected location at 114 Miles St. E was central to social service in the south core, Willianen said that 1111 Fort William Rd is still “within a reasonable walking distance, and there's lots of public transit in the nearby area that's available” for those seeking those services.
Willianen also wanted the public to know that “not all people who are experiencing homelessness struggle with substance use or alcoholism” when asked why the city chose a site close to two stores that sell beer and liquor.
“It’s important for folks to remember that our access to alcohol is really expanded. There is alcohol in grocery stores and convenience stores now, so finding a site that's not near any alcohol retailers is very, very difficult,” said Willianen.
Willianen said there were 50 locations under consideration. 29 passed the city’s screening criteria.
She stated that "none of the options that ranked higher than LRCA's lands were appropriate or suitable," given that the other options under consideration "were not necessarily reflected in the site selection criteria that needed to be considered."
The council report did not list the recommended site among the ranked municipal options because the property is not municipally owned, but when measured with the same criteria, it scored 71 per cent, according to the report.
Willianen said she could not comment on whether there are any other locations staff might recommend if council does not approve of this site.
Willianen, she stressed that the $2.8 million in external funding has an expiration date.
If council does not approve of a site and construction doesn’t begin within 120 days of the agreement signed with the District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board, the funding will go back to the province.
“The 2.8 million that has been approved is contingent on starting construction in July and finishing construction by December,” said Willianen.
The city’s original plan was to have construction start in spring and house individuals by summer.
However, after public backlash over the two proposed sites in November, the city delayed the village to find a new site.
Willianen said the city's goal is to have a village by the end of this year.
The portion of land the city hopes to lease set back 15 metres from the Neebing-McIntyre Floodway and Lake Superior to allow the LRCA to have access to the floodway.
Willianen said the city plans to erect an 8-foot privacy fence around the triangular property.
“Safety and security are, of course, top of mind, not only for the village but the broader community as well. There are measures in place that, if council approves, would be implemented,” said Willianen.
She also noted that the city has an eye on the street camera with a full view of the property, and staff and security will be on-site 24/7.
“I think it’s really important for people to remember that the site is managed and supported, and it is secure,” said Willianen.
The LCRA board has approved for the city to use their property in principle only. There is no formal lease agreement at this time.
If council votes to accept city staff's recommendation on Monday, the city and LRCA would need to enter into a lease agreement acceptable to both parties.
This story has been updated with new information about the site selection process.
