Thanks to major provincial funding, 66 supportive care homes and 120 new emergency shelter spaces will be built across Thunder Bay.
“I’m speechless. I truly am speechless about what was announced this morning,” said Councilor at Large Kasey Etreni. “This is such a win for our community.”
Rob Flack is Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. He said a key part of his plan to protect Ontario is giving vulnerable people the support they need for secure, safe and stable housing.
Flack announced five projects in Thunder Bay:
| Organization | Location | Funds (approx.) | Project |
| Adenac Hotel | 227 Simpson St. | $3.8 million | 46 transitional supportive housing units |
| Teen Challenge Men’s Program | 107 Johnson Ave. | $1.2 million | 7 supportive housing units |
| PACE (People Advocating Change through Empowerment) | 409 George St. | $1.9 million | 13 transitional supportive housing units |
| Grace Place | 235 Simpson St. | $1.0 million | 40 emergency shelter spaces |
| Temporary Shelter Village Initiative | 879 Alloy Pl. (projected) | $2.8 million | 80 modular emergency shelter spaces |
“Today’s investments are an important step forward in addressing homelessness in Thunder Bay and across Northwestern Ontario,” said Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay–Atikokan. “By supporting projects that create both emergency shelter spaces and transitional housing, we are helping ensure individuals have access to safe, stable environments as they work toward long-term independence.”
Etreni says support from Holland was integral in advocating for the funding. She adds construction is already underway on many of the facilities, with some now complete.
“Truthfully, really, each one of these spaces is a win for our community, but it’s sad that we need to provide this,” she said. “Seeing those mattresses reminds you that every one of those is for a person. It’s sad, but it’s great that we get to support those people.”
