Introduction

THUNDER BAY — In a pivotal decision, the Thunder Bay City Council has selected a wooded lot on Cumberland Street North, adjacent to the Salvation Army's Journey to Life Centre, as the likely site for the city's temporary shelter village. This choice aims to tackle the ongoing homelessness crisis in the area.

Council's Initial Proposal and Debate

During a recent council meeting, members were urged to approve a different location initially recommended by city staff—a triangular parcel bordered by Fort William Road and the Neebing River in the Intercity area. This recommendation required the city to enter into a lease agreement with the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority (LRCA), which sparked considerable debate among council members.

Support for the Cumberland Site

Councillor Mark Bentz advocated for the Cumberland site, arguing that utilizing city-owned land would serve as a long-term investment for taxpayers. "Investing in the Cumberland site means the property will be improved, not just a cost to the city," Bentz stated, emphasizing the benefits of using government-owned real estate.

Opposition to the Intercity Location

The Intercity location faced significant opposition from council members. Concerns were raised about its potential impact on local businesses and safety. Councillor Rajni Agarwal shared feedback from local store owners, who reported increased theft incidences during the summer months when encampments were larger. “It's coming out of each owner's bank account — the corporations are not taking the losses,” she noted, although she also recognized that not all crime is linked to the unhoused population.

City Manager's Position

City Manager John Collin countered these worries, asserting that the planned shelter village would offer a structured environment to meet the basic needs of individuals experiencing homelessness, contrasting it with existing encampments. “There is no evidence that crime will increase—none,” he stated firmly, suggesting that the support provided to residents could ultimately reduce crime rates.

Concerns about Waterway Proximity

Concerns about the proximity of the proposed site to waterways also surfaced during discussions, given the city's history of water-related tragedies. However, city staff assured the council that most existing encampments are close to water without incidents of injuries or deaths. Rilee Willianen, leading the encampment response plan, mentioned that the village would feature gated fencing and on-site supervision for added security.

Broader Context of Council Decisions

The council's latest deliberations represent an ongoing effort to finalize a location for the temporary shelter initiative, following a unanimous vote in October 2024 for a comprehensive 10-part plan addressing homelessness encampments. Previous land recommendations faced public backlash, prompting council members to seek an expansive list of potential sites for assessment against criteria such as proximity to support services and construction readiness.

Advantages of the Cumberland Site

Supporters of Bentz’s proposal highlighted several advantages of the Cumberland site, including its position on a main transit route and closeness to necessary services. However, city administration warned that significant site preparation would be necessary, as the area is heavily wooded.

Funding Concerns

Additionally, Mayor Ken Boshcoff raised concerns about the potential loss of $2.8 million in funding from the District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board, which comes with strict timelines. City Manager Collin assured that the risk of funding loss due to site selection was not significantly different between the locations being considered.

Next Steps and Vote

Before construction can commence, the city plans to issue requests for proposals: one for a contractor to build the shelter and another for an operator to manage it once completed. Public engagement initiatives will also be a part of the planning process.

Conclusion and Upcoming Vote

A vote to officially ratify the Cumberland Street location is set for April 14, with indications that Councillor Kasey Etreni will propose an amendment to designate the LRCA-owned site as a backup option should development at Cumberland become impracticable. As the city navigates these complex issues, the need for timely action to address homelessness in Thunder Bay has never been more pressing.