1677 Wilson Ave.

Exterior of 1677 Wilson Ave.

Location: 1677 Wilson Ave.
Shelter residents: Adults of all genders, including couples
Number of beds: Approximately 200
Opened: 2016
Service Operator: City of Toronto

The shelter at 1677 Wilson Ave. provides critical emergency accommodation and wrap-around support services to help people experiencing homelessness achieve stability and work toward permanent housing.    

To meet urgent and ongoing needs in Toronto’s shelter system, the City secured the site through a Request for Proposal to add temporary shelter capacity. In February 2024, Toronto City Council approved extending temporary shelter hotel leases and contracts for the medium term (3-5 years, where possible) while the City works to build new permanent shelter spaces as part of its capital infrastructure strategy.  

The City is committed to continue work to support the program’s success for the residents and surrounding community.   

Open 24-hours a day, the shelter at 1677 Wilson Ave. is operated by highly trained staff who provide emergency shelter and wrap-around support services to help residents become successfully housed.  

Services include meals and laundry, employment and income supports, and recreational programming. 

Case managers also work one-on-one with individuals to understand their needs, develop housing plans and connect them to community services.  

The City works with health care partners to provide on-site health care services, such as:    

  • Nursing, physicians and psychiatry provided by Inner City Health Associates (ICHA)
  • Harm reduction supports provided by The Neighbourhood Group, Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre and ICHA
  • Mental health services provided by LOFT Community Service’s Multi-Disciplinary Outreach Team (M-DOT)
  • Dental services provided by Toronto Public Health  

        Additional partnerships and programming are often developed in response to the needs of people staying at the site.

        The City is committed to working collaboratively with the community to support strong relationships between staff, shelter residents and neighbours, and to foster a sense of partnership as the shelter is an integral part of the community. This includes a firm commitment to being a good neighbour by:  

        • providing regular updates about the shelter and maintaining open communication
        • responding to questions and concerns from community members and partners
        • working collaboratively with local residents, businesses and partners to address issues as they arise
        • supporting a respectful and well-managed environment through shared responsibility, with clear expectations for clients to respect each other, the property and the neighbourhood 

        Key Safety Measures

        Trained staff and on-site support

        Staff are trained in de-escalation, conflict resolution, crisis prevention, intervention and management, and harm reduction services and support.  All staff are trained to respond to immediate issues that do not require police or emergency medical services (EMS).

        Building safety and security

        The building has multiple safety features, including access control and video surveillance.   

        On-site 24/7 security teams are stationed at both the South and North Towers. Security staff:  

        • Patrol all entrances and exits, the parking lot and the exterior perimeter
        • Conduct building patrols every 30 minutes
        • Routinely check stairwells and emergency exits  

            Staff also meet regularly with key stakeholders, including Toronto Police Service, to share information and discuss community safety.  

                1677 Wilson Shelter Inquiries 

                • Questions related to the shelter, or to donate, volunteer or partner to provide other services
                • 24/7 Shift Leader: 416-392-4616
                • Email: TorontoPlazaShelter@toronto.ca 

                    Homelessness Referrals and Information (Central Intake)  

                    • Telephone support for individuals seeking emergency shelter and information about other homelessness services
                    • Phone: 416-338-4766 

                      Service Requests and Information on City Programs and Services  

                      • Get information on City programs and services and to submit service requests for things like graffiti, excessive noise, street cleaning, needle pick up, etc.
                      • Phone: 311
                      • Submit a service request online  

                          Street Outreach and Encampment Support  

                          • Request support for people living outside, along with questions or concerns related to encampments (e.g. outreach, fire safety education and response, clean up, etc.) 
                          • Phone: 311  

                            Mental Health and Crisis Support 

                              Report Emergencies – Toronto Police  

                              • Report issues where there is immediate danger, a crime in progress, safety threat or need for police presence
                              • Phone: 911  

                                Report Non-Emergencies – 31 Police Division  

                                • Report crimes where no person is in immediate danger, e.g. theft, vandalism, trespassing, panhandling
                                • Phone: 416-808-2222
                                • File a report online