Across Canada—including in Durham Region—we need to find new opportunities for shelter, housing and services for vulnerable, low-income residents. The need is outpacing our ability to provide support.

The Region purchased 1635 Dundas as part of the system of supports across Durham to support those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Here are some current key details about 1635 Dundas:

• The former Sunnycrest Nursing Home, now referred to as 1635 Dundas, can support people who are currently living outdoors in Whitby, in ravines and in the area surrounding 1635 Dundas.
• The Region is responsible for the planning and co-ordination of the Homelessness Support System across Durham Region—as the Service System Manager legislated by the provincial government and the community entity designated by the federal government.
• At this stage, 1635 Dundas will provide 45 shelter beds to help meet our community’s urgent need ahead of the harsh, cold winter. The site will remain open during the day, allowing people to stay inside and work toward their goals, instead of having to go outside during the day.
• The shelter will follow established shelter best practices. Wraparound supports at the site will be in place, and the indoor environment allows for a full range of programming.
• The Region will establish a community liaison committee to help creative a positive path forward.
• Future use of this building will be shaped through engagement with community members
• Long term, 1635 Dundas has the potential to offer a transitional and/or supportive housing.
• There is no intention to create one of the largest emergency shelters in Canada at the site; this is not a best practice.
• A full list of Frequently Asked Questions—developed based on feedback from community members—is available on this site.

The Region of Durham and Town of Whitby reach agreement for 1635 Dundas Street Project

On November 29, 2023, Durham Region and the Town of Whitby have reached an agreement related to 1635 Dundas Street. This decision will help to ensure collaboration that will allow the project to move forward. The Region purchased 1635 Dundas to help address the urgent need for housing and services. This will become part of the system of services across Durham to support those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. It will help to provide immediate solutions to help individuals and families who need it most.

Read our statement on www.durham.ca for more details on the agreement.

Read the full agreement here.

Community Liaison Committee

The 1635 Dundas Community Liaison Committee process is now complete; we thank everyone for submitting their applications to become part of the Committee.
At this time, information about the selection process will not be made public until the feedback raised during the October 30 Town of Whitby Special Meeting is considered.
We will review the feedback brought forward from the Town of Whitby, and applicants who have been selected to become a member of the Committee will receive an email on November 13.

Subscribe to our page for updates as they become available.

Have your say!

The Region held a community engagement session to gather input on 1635 Dundas on August 30 and October 3, 2023. These sessions offered the community an opportunity to share their concerns, inquiries and ideas for the site.

If you were unable to attend the in-person community engagement session, share your questions and comments at any time through this project page, see below.

Subscribe to this page to receive updates.

Below is a recording of the Community Engagement Session held on October 3, 2023:

Visit https://www.durham.ca/SupportiveHousingProjects/ to learn more about this Whitby-based site, along with information on the Beaverton Supportive Housing Project and the Oshawa Micro-Homes Pilot Project.