THUNDER BAY – The city wants residents to weigh in on two proposed locations, both in the south end, for a temporary shelter village they hope to have up and running by next spring.
A public survey is now open and closes on Oct. 31.
“Public consultation is super important when there are things coming to council that impact the broader community, so that's why we are seeking public feedback on what we're putting forward,” Rilee Willianen, the city's drug strategy specialist, told Newswatch.
As part of Thunder Bay’s ten-part human rights-based community action plan, the city plans to build a temporary village with 24/7 support services to help eligible unhoused individuals and reduce encampments on municipal land.
“This is not another encampment. It is a structured community designed to provide stable dignified temporary shelter,” said Cynthia Olsen, director of strategy & engagement, in a previous council meeting.
City staff identified two possible locations, Miles St. East and the Kam River Heritage Park, preferred for their proximity to social services in the area.
Willianen said the survey is to gather feedback on which is the public's preferred site and “what would help (the city) make sure that the village is a positive addition to the neighbourhood.”
The survey results will inform administration’s recommendation to City Council on the best location to implement the Temporary Village initiative.
The survey can be accessed online and paper copies are available at all Thunder Bay Public Library branches and the Clerk's Desk on the main floor of City Hall.
