The City of Thunder Bay has announced that it no longer expects to open its temporary shelter village at the Hillyard site by the end of the year.
The city now anticipates an opening in the spring.
Despite the delay, work on the site is officially underway.
Two contracts have been awarded to third parties: one for building the site, and the other for operating the village once it is complete.
The city says detailed design work on the site has begun, including grading and drainage plans.
Sewage and water services are currently being extended to the new location, and soon, the city pledges it will begin clearing trees, replacing soil, and fencing the area.
The temporary shelter village is a crucial piece of the city’s ten-part plan for addressing encampments.
The shelter village will include 80 locked habitats, designed to help homeless individuals transition between living on the street and planting roots in permanent homes.
Following an Ontario Supreme Court decision, the city has no legal authority to clear out encampments unless it has a space it can offer to individuals.
