Durham Region homeless shelter to open in Whitby, Ont. amid concerns from local residents

A new homeless shelter that has been the centre of controversy will open gradually in Whitby, Ont. over the next two weeks, with staff bringing in unhoused people in stages, the town's mayor said on Thursday.

Elizabeth Roy said the Durham Region low-barrier shelter, at 1635 Dundas St. E., will provide wraparound supports for those experiencing homelessness. The 45-bed shelter is intended to support people who are currently living outside.

Roy said safety and security were top priorities when the regional municipality designed the shelter. There is a fence around the property and a security firm has been hired. Contact information for the shelter and the firm will be given to local residents and business owners, she said.

"We have to look at this whole space. It's about the wins that will happen for those who are living on our streets, living in our hotels and living on people's couches," Roy said. 

Outreach workers have helped to identify potential shelter residents, she added. The region has a list of more than 580 people currently seeking shelter space.

On Thursday, officials gave reporters a tour of the facility, formerly a long-term care home known as Sunnycrest Nursing Home. The shelter has an intake area, a dining room, laundry facilities, a large community room, a media space where patrons can use a computer and group rooms for residents that include a shower and bathroom.

News of the gradual opening comes after controversy over the cost of the site.

A group of residents and a regional councillor expressed concern after the region acquired the home in August 2023 for $13.7 million from a company that paid $8 million for it. The residents have also expressed concern that the shelter could disrupt the safety of the local community.

On its website, the region says it retained a third-party licensed appraiser to assess the property before purchase. "The property was purchased at fair market value in accordance with the Region's process for property acquisition," it said.

John Henry, chair of Region of Durham, said in response to security concerns: "We've gone to great lengths to listen to the residents and we done the things, including the fence that is around the entire property and the cameras that are located here."

According to the region, low-barrier shelters aim to remove systemic barriers to be more accessible to people with disabilities, seniors, those with pets, people from the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and those experiencing mental health and addiction challenges.

"Not every person who is homeless has mental health or addiction problems, but the facility is designed in such a way that we can meet all of their needs," Henry said.

Henry said the region would like to see a "standard set of rules" to deal with mental health, addictions and homelessness, given that the problems are found across the country — but it is nonetheless pleased to open the shelter. 

"It's just incredibly exciting that we're meeting the needs of a group of people in our community that are living lives that are not the same as the rest of us. There's an opportunity to help people, get them back to contributing to society. And this is a first step," he said.