Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Windsor has announced it will halt efforts to acquire the property at 700 Wellington Avenue, which had been identified as a potential location for the future Homelessness and Housing Help Hub.
Council had initially approved the seven-acre site after evaluating several properties. The site was seen as an ideal location for the H4, offering enough space for permanent supportive housing units and wraparound services for individuals facing mental health challenges, addiction, and homelessness.
However, following a comprehensive review of the project’s requirements, it was determined that the costs associated with acquiring the 700 Wellington Ave. property would exceed the budget for the planned facility.
As a result, council has instructed city administration to cease discussions on acquiring the site.
“We are taking meaningful, measurable, and fiscally responsible steps to support our vulnerable population. This year, we’ve significantly invested in expanding and enhancing the temporary H4 services, increasing hours, and improving access,” said Mayor Drew Dilkens. “After thoroughly reviewing the Wellington Avenue property, we determined that its acquisition costs would exceed our allocated budget.
“As such, we will continue searching for an alternative location that can meet the needs of the H4 and support a sustainable, effective model. We remain committed to securing the right site for the permanent facility and will continue advocating for substantial support from senior levels of government.”
Windsor City Council has endorsed an expansion of the city’s shelter system in response to rising winter demands and planned upgrades to the temporary H4 will continue.
One key project under consideration is the conversion of the pool at the former Water World into additional shelter space, which would increase bed capacity and support expanded services at the city’s temporary H4.
While the Wellington Avenue site has been abandoned, efforts to find a new permanent location for the H4 will continue. The goal is to identify a site that can host a range of partner services, including the Downtown Mission, to create a comprehensive, co-located facility that provides full-service delivery for Windsor’s vulnerable populations.
“The current H4 model has proven to be successful in our community, and we remain dedicated to finding a new location that will expand support services and provide the permanent supportive housing units necessary to reduce chronic homelessness,” said Andrew Daher, commissioner, human and health services.