1635 Dundas Street: Meeting immediate and long-term needs of Durham citizens without a home

If someone moves to the final step in the progressive process, they will be asked to leave the shelter they are in, but not the entire shelter system. Alternate shelter arrangements and/or transportation will be arranged to ensure they are continuing to receive support if the patron consents.

Shelter staff would work diligently with the patron to secure a crisis bed, detox bed or even a temporary stay with a friend or family member when possible. Steps are also taken to find a bed in shelter outside Durham only if necessary and if so, transportation is arranged. The system is at capacity at times and distancing means a return to unsheltered status.

Phase 1 construction included partial interior renovations to the first floor to facilitate 45 emergency shelter beds along with necessary ancillary support spaces, site improvements to improve drainage, and perimeter fencing. Interior renovations ensure that common building elements operate properly, and fire and life safety systems are up to code.

There are clear protocols and strict regulations for the removal of mould and asbestos since they are found in many buildings across the province. The Region of Durham is working with an environmental consultant to ensure any hazardous materials are identified and abatement is complete by the Region’s contractor in areas being renovated. Any mould or water damage will be removed throughout the renovation. Materials containing asbestos are noted in the walls and select flooring will be removed according to the standard protocol. The Region is following all protocols and regulations, including Ontario Regulation 278/05 (Designated Substance – Asbestos on Construction Projects and in Buildings and Repair Operations).

Low barrier shelters are not no barrier facilities. Low barrier shelters aim to remove systemic barriers to make the shelter more accessible. It means the most vulnerable community members who face system barriers, have a safe and secure place to sleep and access services. This includes; people with disabilities, seniors, those with pets, people from the 2SLGBTQI+ community, and those experiencing mental health and addiction challenges.

The 1635 Dundas facility is on a major transit corridor that allows for people requiring public transit to actively engage in the community­­­—it’s close to food options for groceries, medical clinics and pharmacies, and other general supports that are available to any member of the community.

In addition to expanding housing options, the shelter spaces meet the demands within Durham’s system. Services such as street outreach teams and coordinated access improvements are also being implemented to address the housing crisis. Seeking appropriate spaces that allow for indoor 24 hour services and sleep space is important to maintaining safety and wellness for service users and community members.

Research in other cities demonstrates that there will not be an increase in challenges to the area, however, there will be Regional staff on-site to receive information about issues, and the Community Liaison Committee will be able to raise any unanticipated challenges so that they can be addressed.

There is capacity for these future uses at this site and all options are being considered.

The site has a floor plan that will allow for supportive and transitional housing units as the development and retrofits occur in future phases. The initial emergency shelter spaces will not require people to sleep in a dormitory set up. The large rooms available in the building will allow for services such as establishing food security, providing housing-first services, support for employment, ID clinics, counselling and life skills education.

The site will offer safe space to people, including seniors, who are experiencing homelessness.

Many people accessing shelters are seniors who cannot afford housing and this space will initially offer safe sleep space that is not set up in a large dormitory style.

This facility requires repairs and updates, and it does not meet space requirements for seniors who need long-term care at a specific level.

The Region is the provincially designated Consolidated Services System Manager for Early Years and Child Care. Durham’s child care system has expanded significantly over the past ten years. There are currently more than 29,000 spaces in Durham’s Child Care system. Expansion has occurred to ensure there are child care programs across the region. Currently the Canada Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) plan is reducing fees for parents and making child care more accessible. CWELCC includes a provincially approved expansion plan.

This site was acquired by the Region as the Housing and Homelessness system manager to support the housing and homelessness system. We are in a housing and homelessness crisis, 1635 Dundas is part of a system development initiative that includes program and space expansions to meet current demands.

Meaningful, two-way engagement is key. Your input is essential in helping to shape services at 1635 Dundas.

Community members are invited to share comments or questions on our Your Durham page, at any time.

Recordings of previous engagement sessions can be found here.