With the upcoming FIFA World Cup matches set to take place in Toronto in June, changes are on the horizon for individuals utilizing a long-standing shelter near the stadium. Toronto city officials have announced that the contract for the Better Living Centre, located just steps away from the stadium, will be ending on March 15. This means that individuals relying on this shelter will need to find alternate accommodations as the respite site will no longer be accepting new occupants after this month.
Despite Toronto’s winter plan for assisting those who are unhoused running until April 15, the decision to transition away from the Better Living Centre has been made to align with FIFA obligations and to facilitate a smooth shift for the residents. The city’s shelter system has been operating at full capacity this winter, emphasizing the critical need for shelter services during periods of extreme cold.
Lorraine Lam from the Shelter and Housing Justice Network highlighted the urgency of the situation, pointing out that the city’s shelters have consistently been operating beyond full capacity. She expressed concerns about the lack of additional spaces available to accommodate the individuals who will be displaced due to the closure of the Better Living Centre.
Don Boylie, CEO of Exhibition Place, explained the limitations preventing the shelter from remaining open beyond March 15 due to prior commitments related to the FIFA event. Despite this, Exhibition Place acknowledges the role it plays in providing temporary shelter services and has future plans to transition the Better Living Centre into a more public space.
In preparation for the upcoming World Cup matches, the Better Living Centre is slated to be utilized for FIFA-related activities starting April 1. The city is gearing up for the event, focusing on logistical preparations and security measures required for hosting such a significant international event.
However, advocates are calling for permanent solutions to address homelessness, emphasizing the need for long-term housing strategies rather than temporary fixes. They stress the cycle of individuals moving in and out of temporary shelters without stable housing solutions in place.
City officials have assured that individuals affected by the closure of the Better Living Centre will be provided with alternative spaces within the shelter system after March 15.