A new winter response plan, updated emergency shelter rules and calls to renew funding for local homelessness agencies were among the ideas pushed forward by a London city committee Monday afternoon.
Members of the Community and Protective Services (CAPS) committee unanimously passed three separate motions that will pave the way for how the city responds to homelessness in the coming months.
Among them is a city staff report for a 2026-2027 winter response plan that calls for 264 overnight beds and warming spaces, more consistent service, and a shift in who operates the spaces. The plan is expected to cost $5.8 million, with $2.1 million coming from an unsigned draft agreement with the federal government through its Unsheltered Homelessness and Encampments Initiative (UHEI).
“It’s pretty hard to say no to some money, and it’s so exciting when federal governments and provincial governments … step up and help municipalities with homelessness,” said committee member and Ward 9 Coun. Anna Hopkins.