Toronto city councillors have voted to explore the feasibility of operating micro-shelters in underutilized Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) parking lots, as the city's unhoused population has doubled to an estimated 15,400 since 2021 and shelters are overflowing. The motion, brought forth by Coun. Chris Moise, aims to provide temporary shelter solutions like cabin communities or tiny homes, which homelessness advocates view as a crucial 'stepping stone' between encampments and long-term housing, despite challenges in identifying suitable sites and community pushback against new shelters.
City councillors exploring micro-shelters as homelessness crisis in Toronto soars
Micro-sheltersTorontoMunicipal governmentsNeighbourhoodsHomelessnessHomeless encampments
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Toronto city councillors have voted to explore the feasibility of operating micro-shelters in underutilized Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) parking lots, as the city's unhoused population has doubled to an estimated 15,400 since 2021 and shelters are overflowing. The motion, brought forth by Coun. Chris Moise, aims to provide temporary shelter solutions like cabin communities or tiny homes, which homelessness advocates view as a crucial 'stepping stone' between encampments and long-term housing, despite challenges in identifying suitable sites and community pushback against new shelters.
Trending- 1 2021: Toronto's unhoused population was estimated at 7,000.
- 2 2023: City unveiled a plan to build 20 new permanent shelters by 2033.
- 3 Last summer: Ryan Donais started building micro-shelters in the city, with Mayor Olivia Chow's intervention.
- 4 Last fall (2024): Toronto's unhoused population reached an estimated 15,400, with 301 encampments citywide.
- 5 This week: City councillors voted to explore micro-shelters in TTC parking lots.
- 6 Early 2026: City staff will report back on the feasibility of the micro-shelter plan.
- Potential for new temporary housing solutions to address the homelessness crisis.
- Ongoing challenges in identifying suitable sites and facing community pushback for new shelters.
What: Toronto city councillors voted to explore the feasibility of operating micro-shelters in underutilized Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) parking lots.
When: This week (motion passed); report back early 2026 (feasibility); last fall (2024 Street Needs Assessment survey results); last summer (Ryan Donais started building micro-shelters).
Where: Toronto, Canada (TTC parking lots, St. James Park).
Why: Toronto's unhoused population has doubled, shelters are overflowing, and encampments are widespread, necessitating new temporary shelter solutions.
How: Coun. Chris Moise put forward a successful motion; city staff will report back on feasibility; homelessness advocates and non-profits are proposing and building various micro-shelter models.