October 20, 1999
To: Community Services Committee
From: Commissioner, Community and Neighbourhood Services
Subject: Payment for use of the Fort York Armoury from June to December 1999, Trinity Niagara
Purpose:
This report seeks authority to reimburse the Department of National Defense (DND) an amount of $250,000.00 for the use
of the Fort York Armoury as an emergency shelter from June 24 - December 15, 1999.
Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
Sufficient funds are available in the Hostel Services budget for the payment to the Department of National Defense for the
use of the Fort York Armoury.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) Council authorize the payment of up to $250,000.00 to the Department of National Defense for the use of the Fort York
Armoury as an emergency shelter for homeless individuals for the period of June 24 to December 15, 1999; and,
(2) the appropriate City Officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.
Background:
On July 6, Council authorised the Commissioner of Community Services to reimburse DND for the use of the Armoury for
the period ending April 15, 1999. At the same meeting, Council also approved a report regarding the search for new
emergency shelter sites. That report noted that DND would make the Fort York Armoury available to the City of Toronto
for emergency shelter purposes for a six month period of June 24 - December 15, 1999. The re-opening of this facility
allowed the closure of a temporary shelter facility at Metro Hall. The cost estimate for use of the Armoury was based on
the costs identified by DND for the use of the building during the period April 15 - June 4, 1999.
Comments:
Current Situation - The program at Fort York Armoury is providing emergency shelter space for up to 150 homeless men
and women from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. daily. The site is being directly operated and staffed by Seaton House. The
emergency shelter function utilizes approximately one-half of the parade floor of the Armoury. Clients have access to
washroom and shower facilities in the Armoury. Additionally, two classrooms are being used for office and first aid
purposes. During the evening hours of operation, space is shared with DND operations, and their staff cannot use the areas
dedicated to the shelter program.
Hostel Services is currently planning the addition of 675 beds that are being phased in with the total 675 beds being
available by mid-December. This will bring the capacity level of shelters for adults and youth up to 2,900 beds. Staff
believe that this capacity will meet the anticipated needs during the winter months. Closure of the Armoury is scheduled
for December 15 and use of the site will be phased out over a one-month period, beginning November 15, as other shelter
beds and Out of the Cold beds become available.
Cost for use of the premises - As reported in July, neither DND not Canadian Forces policies allow the long-term or
indefinite use of DND properties for non-military purposes, thus the current agreement between the City and DND allows
for a 6 month use of the site. DND is requesting a payment of approximately $250,000 for the 6 month use of the Armoury.
This figure includes charges for the use of the physical premises (utilities, water, heat, etc.), expenses associated with
additional on-site secruity, enhanced garbage removal, and property damage resulting from shelter use.
Conclusions:
The operation of an emergency shelter facility at the Fort York Armoury is an important element of the City's emergency
shelter response to the growing number of homeless people in Toronto and it is recommended that Council approve the
payment of up to $250,000.00 for the six month use of this facility.
Contact:
John Jagt
Director, Hostel Services
Phone - 392- 5358
Fax - 392-8758
Commissioner, Community and Neighbourhood Services
