Backed by a $2.45-million investment, the modular facility will combine emergency shelter with essential day services under one roof.
Kingston is set to see some new changes in the community as the Kingston City Council approved the purchase of 924 Sydenham Road on May 6 for approximately $2.45 million, with up to $65,000 in closing costs—which are fees and expenses paid at the final stage of a real estate transaction. The City plans to open a 30-bed emergency shelter, with the capacity to expand to 45 beds during high-demand periods, such as winter.
According to Loyalist-Cataraqui District Councillor Paul Chaves, in whose district the shelter will be built, the project is part of a broader initiative to transform the way Kingston provides shelter services and is set to open by the end of the year.
The shelter will use a modular design, built from prefabricated sections assembled on-site. Its location on Sydenham Road—about six kilometers from the Pier—s Kingston’s broader plan to decentralize shelter services and ease their concentration in the downtown core, according to Chaves.
The three-acre site will serve as more than just a place for people to sleep, but will offer shelter for pets and couples. As well, it will offer secure overnight storage, showers, meals, and services held throughout the day to help reintegrate unhoused people back into local society, according to Chaves.
City of Kingston is set to host a public information session on May 29 at 7:30 p.m. at 990 Sydenham Rd to address community questions and concerns about the new shelter.
Chaves also explained to The Journal that he has requested public consultations to take place “Sooner than later.” He pointed to the information session on May 29 and the planning of the Community Liaison Committee, which of the community are still able and encouraged to , as key efforts to keep residents informed and involved.
The committee will serve as a communication link between the community and shelter staff.
“I want the community to be involved, and if they have concerns, I really community being a part of the committee,” Chaves said. “I plan on being a part of the committee […] that way [we] can help resolve the issues as they pop up.”
Chaves confirmed that the shelter won’t include a safe injection site, a feature found at other facilities, such as the Integrated Care Hub. He explained that this may make the shelter more appealing to some individuals.
“There are those who probably want assistance, but don’t feel that some of those other locations are proper for them,” Chaves said.
As preparations for the new shelter begin, Chaves claims that the City will continue to seek a second location for another modular shelter, with the ultimate goal of engaging the public and reintegrating unhoused individuals into Kingston’s community.
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