TORONTO – The City of Toronto is set to enhance its winter services for individuals experiencing homelessness by adding over 1,200 new shelter spaces later this month. This initiative is part of the city's comprehensive winter strategy, designed to address urgent needs as cold weather approaches.

According to a news release from the municipality, the additional spaces will include 370 permanent supportive and subsidized housing units. Furthermore, there will be 244 warm centre spaces that are slated to open when the temperature drops to -5 degrees Celsius or colder during winter weather warnings. In addition to these units, nearly 490 new shelter spaces will be created alongside 175 surge capacity spaces that are designated to open during extreme cold conditions.

The city has also announced an increase in street outreach teams during extreme cold weather, ensuring that regular outreach programs continue throughout the season. These teams will be responsible for distributing warm clothing, sleeping bags, and other essential supplies to those in need during the winter months.

The winter measures are scheduled to be implemented from November 15 to April 15, aligning with the coldest months of the year. As temperatures are expected to drop to -5 degrees Celsius this Sunday and the first snowfall of the season is anticipated, a few select new shelter spaces will be available starting this weekend.