THUNDER BAY – CITY NEWS – The City of Thunder Bay has identified a new proposed site for its temporary shelter village initiative, moving forward from last year’s stalled plans. City staff are recommending a location on the east side of Fort William Road, between the Neebing River and the Neebing-McIntyre Floodway, for the much-debated project.
The site includes land at 1111 Fort William Road, owned by the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority (LRCA), and adjacent municipal properties at 1069 and 1071 Fort William Road, which the city acquired during construction of the floodway in 1984.
According to the April 7 Committee of the Whole agenda, administration will formally recommend that council approve entering into a lease agreement with the LRCA for use of their portion of the land.
This decision comes despite what some say is putting that shelter village beside the ‘River of Tears’ where there have been so many Indigenous people die. It is not understood at this time the degree of enhanced policing that will be needed at the site.
LRCA Approves Plan in Principle
Donna Blunt, Chair of the LRCA Board of Directors, confirmed that the city approached the LRCA in February to explore the site as a potential location for the temporary village. At its March board meeting, the LRCA agreed to move forward with the proposal “in principle.”
“We approved in principle, but there are still things that need to be considered before the board makes their final decision,” Blunt said. She added that specific remaining considerations have not yet been disclosed to her.
If city council approves the recommendation, the next steps include negotiating an acceptable lease, seeking any necessary approvals from the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks, and securing final sign-off from the LRCA board.
Background: A Long Search for a Suitable Location
Thunder Bay City Council first endorsed the temporary village initiative as part of a 10-part human rights-based community action plan to address homelessness and encampments in October 2023.
Two sites were initially considered: Kam River Heritage Park and a vacant lot at 114 Miles Street East. After public opposition, particularly regarding the Miles Street location, Council rejected the proposal and requested a comprehensive list of potential sites across the city.
The initiative now has financial momentum behind it, thanks to $2.8 million in funding from the Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB). These funds are earmarked for both operational and capital costs of establishing the village.
Next Steps for Council and Community
The April 7 meeting will be pivotal in determining whether the Fort William Road location will become the future home of the shelter village. If council supports the staff recommendation, and necessary approvals are granted, the project could move into the implementation phase in 2025.
Stay tuned for updates as the proposal advances through the necessary municipal and provincial channels.
