Hamilton's 1st outdoor shelter to be set up by December in 'massive' undertaking, councillor says

Hamilton's first outdoor shelter officially has council's approval and will open by December, city staff say. 

Setting up the 40-cabin site on vacant, city-owned land at Tiffany Street and Barton Street West will be a "massive" undertaking, said Coun. Cameron Kroetsch, whose ward encompasses the location. 

"You might set up some temporary shelters, but then you will need to work with folks in the community," he said to staff at a council meeting Wednesday. 

"There's going to be a lot of movement happening." 

The outdoor shelter will cost about $7 million, including setting it up and running it for a year, staff estimate in a report. 

In the coming weeks, the city will begin an "engagement process" for the wider community, said Grace Mater, general manager of healthy and safe communities. 

Housing workers will also connect with residents living in encampments across the city about what their needs are and if they're interested in moving to the "sanctioned" site, said street outreach manager Danielle Blake. The outdoor shelter will house about 80 people, prioritizing couples and people with pets. 

Because of the short timeline, staff will select a company to supply the tiny homes rather than conduct a lengthier open bidding process, said Blake. 

The site will also require two common buildings with washroom, shower and laundry facilities, she said.

A key part of the plan is having a range of services on site, the details of which are currently being finalized, Blake said.

For example, Hamilton paramedics will provide wound care and vaccinations, workers from St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton will provide mental health and addiction services, and police will provide "rapid intervention support." 

Organizations that already provide housing, food, safe injection supplies and other forms of assistance to encampments will also be involved at the outdoor shelter, said Blake.

"We feel there is a real wealth of support services," she said. 

As that work is going on, planning staff will get the land ready to live on, said Steve Robichaud, acting general manager of planning and economic development.