TORONTO — The City of Toronto plans to add more than 1,200 shelter spaces for individuals experiencing homelessness as part of its winter services initiative. This expansion is set to begin later this month, with measures in place from November 15 to April 15.

According to a city news release, the new shelter spaces will include 370 permanent supportive and subsidized housing units. Additionally, there will be 244 warm center spaces that will activate when temperatures drop to -5 degrees Celsius or lower during winter weather warnings. Nearly 490 new shelter spaces and 175 surge capacity spaces will also be available during extreme cold conditions.

To enhance support during harsh weather, the city will deploy more street outreach teams. Regular outreach programs will continue, providing warm clothing, sleeping bags, and other essential supplies throughout the winter months.

A few new shelter spaces are expected to open this weekend, as temperatures are forecasted to fall to -5 degrees Celsius on Sunday, coinciding with the city's first snowfall of the season.

Toronto is currently facing what officials describe as a "homelessness emergency," attributed to factors such as high housing costs, inadequate income support, and unmet health needs. Last year, over 15,000 individuals in Toronto were reported to be experiencing homelessness, according to the city’s 2024 Street Needs Assessment.