London city officials are suggesting a location for a new temporary homeless shelter capable of accommodating up to 60 individuals. The proposed site is situated south of Hwy. 401 on a field currently utilized for agriculture. According to a recent report, the address at 1710 Wilton Grove Rd., positioned east of Highbury Avenue, fulfills various criteria for establishing mini modular homes that could be operational by the end of December.
The city-owned property is deemed ready for construction, situated more than 400 meters away from schools and daycare facilities, not situated within a flood-prone area, and would have limited effects on nearby commercial and residential zones, as indicated by the staff. It is accessible via a two-lane road with an 80 km/hr speed limit, featuring a designated bike lane and neighboring farmers. Mayor Josh Morgan invoked his executive powers in late September to fast-track the staff report, eliminating the need for council approval through a majority vote.
The city council is scheduled to evaluate the proposal, including the site selection, during a committee meeting on Wednesday. Mayor Morgan emphasized the significance of providing actual shelter for those in need, particularly during the harsh winter months. The anticipated modular housing is projected to remain operational until April 2027, with an estimated cost of $7 million for construction and operation. City officials confirmed the availability of sufficient funds in the contingency reserve fund to cover the expenses and recommended expediting the tender process to commence the project promptly.
If greenlit, the micro-modular shelters will adhere to specific requirements, including compact size, heating and air conditioning, accessibility, ease of maintenance, availability of utilities, outdoor pet-friendly spaces, units for couples and individuals in recovery, round-the-clock security, and garbage disposal services. Mayor Morgan highlighted that these shelters are intended as a temporary solution, aiming to facilitate individuals’ transition to permanent housing.
Approval from the Ministry of Transportation is necessary to utilize the proposed Wilton Grove site for temporary housing due to its proximity to the 401 highway. Additionally, once construction firms are selected, hiring an experienced service provider to manage the site will be imperative. The designated location lies at the southeastern periphery of the city, bridging manufacturing hubs and agricultural land, resulting in limited access to public transportation services.
Wilton Grove Road is currently serviced by a sole London Transit route known as “30 White Oaks Mall – Cheese Factory Road,” operating on weekdays with infrequent schedules tailored around nearby shift workers’ hours. Efforts to enhance transit connectivity have been discussed, emphasizing the importance of accessible transportation for essential services such as healthcare appointments, legal meetings, and mental health support. Despite the logistical challenges posed by the remote site, stakeholders aim to leverage the shelter to stabilize individuals and facilitate their progression towards supportive housing options.
Mayor Morgan cited the successful implementation of micro-shelters in Chatham-Kent as a positive example, underscoring the transformative impact on individuals transitioning from encampments to structured support environments. The Unity Project in London previously introduced temporary shelter solutions in 2023, emphasizing their transitional nature and not as permanent housing options.