Mayor Josh Morgan of London is pushing to establish a temporary emergency homeless shelter by the end of 2023 to address the city’s growing homelessness crisis. The plan involves setting up a “60 micro-modular shelter site” intended to provide urgent relief, as homelessness is seen as a public health and safety issue. The shelters are described as temporary but could remain in place for up to two years. While the exact location has not been disclosed, the mayor’s memorandum emphasizes minimizing disruption to nearby residential and commercial areas.
This proposal, which utilizes the “strong mayor” powers introduced by the Doug Ford government, allows Morgan to bypass a council vote to expedite the initiative. Local frontline organizations, like the Ark Aid Mission and Unity Project, have expressed support, calling the plan ambitious but necessary. They see the mini-shelters as a practical solution to relieve overcrowded services, especially during the winter. However, they caution that these shelters are only a short-term fix, not a long-term solution to the housing crisis.
Agencies emphasize that the new shelter should be well-managed, with controlled access, adequate staffing, and options for people with varying needs, including the ability to store belongings and keep pets. While the initiative is seen as a positive step, advocates stress that it must work in conjunction with existing services, and a year-round, permanent housing solution remains essential..
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