The Shelter Design & Technical Guidelines is a living document that provides for best practices in the design of shelters in Toronto. It is intended to enhance positive outcomes and experiences for the shelter users, staff and the community in new and renovated shelters through designs that promote dignity, comfort and choice for the clients.
The recommendations include criteria spanning a broad range of areas, from design approaches and principles, through to functional components of the building, environmental design and materials and finishes.
The Shelter Design & Technical Guidelines are of greatest value in the development of new shelters, but may also influence design decisions in the renovation of existing shelters.
Download the Shelter Design & Technical Guidelines.
We would like to thank the many people, agencies and stakeholders who shared their time and expertise in contributing to this document. We wish to thank them all for their shared insights.