Toronto councillors clash over shelter site decisions as calls grow for earlier public involvement amid ongoing housing crisis.
Council Debates Shelter Location Process
Toronto City Council was sharply divided Thursday over the city’s approach to selecting new homeless shelter sites. The debate centred on a motion to amend zoning bylaws for six planned shelters, with some councillors calling for earlier community input in the process.
Concerns Over Community Exclusion
At the heart of the conflict is the authority granted to city staff to choose shelter locations without prior consultation with local residents or councillors. That authority was delegated in 2017 to expedite shelter expansion in response to Toronto’s growing homelessness crisis.
Councillor James Pasternak, whose York Centre ward is set to host one of the proposed shelters at 1220 Wilson Ave., argued that the current process lacks transparency. “Process is very important. This has fallen off the rails because of process,” he said during the heated council session.
Residents Push Back
Pasternak highlighted community opposition to the Wilson Avenue site, pointing to a petition with nearly 6,000 signatures and objections from both federal and provincial representatives. Residents have raised safety concerns and are demanding involvement before decisions are finalized.
Staff Defend Fast-Track Approach
City staff and several councillors defended the delegated authority as a way to de-politicize shelter planning and avoid delays. They noted that 17 public consultations have already been held across the six proposed sites—some drawing over 300 participants.
Mayor Olivia Chow emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that Toronto currently has 15,000 homeless residents but shelter capacity for only 12,000. “We are in a crisis. We need to act,” she said.
Calls to Rebuild Public Trust
Councillor Lily Cheng, who supports a new shelter in her ward, voiced concerns about the top-down approach. “It hurts what’s already hurting in our city, which is trust. People don’t trust our city,” Cheng told council.
Brad Bradford, councillor for Beaches-East York, echoed the sentiment, saying the high level of public engagement shows there’s “more to say” and a need for broader discussions moving forward.
Future Sites and Safety Measures
Thirteen more shelters are in the pipeline as part of Toronto’s 10-year housing plan, according to Corinna Prior, acting manager of community planning. She invited councillors to suggest sites in their wards, but maintained that post-selection consultations are more productive.
To address safety concerns, staff confirmed each shelter will be staffed 24/7, include crisis services, and coordinate with police when needed. The plan also aims to phase out temporary hotel shelters from the pandemic, which cost the city up to $300 per person per day.
Council Moves Forward with Conditions
Despite the friction, council approved zoning amendments for the six new shelter sites. Additional motions were passed to include parking, other support infrastructure, and a leadership team tasked with improving communication between city staff, councillors, and local communities.
The shelter debate marks a critical moment for Toronto as it navigates a worsening housing crisis, public trust challenges, and the complex realities of integrating shelters into diverse neighbourhoods.
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