Officials are looking to extend the life of a short-term supported shelter pilot project by giving it a permanent home, says Eddie Alton, the County of Wellington’s social services administrator, courtesy of the planned purchase of 65 Delhi St.
A potential sale agreement for the city-owned, historic property was announced earlier this week, with a bylaw formalizing the plan approved by county council on Thursday. The deal is dependent upon the property being rezoned from parkland to residential, as the building would become the new home of the Loyola House Supportive Temporary Accommodation Pilot, offering short-term accommodation to the city’s homeless population.
“We are hopeful that we could get the renovations completed and have the building ready by the end of this year or early 2022,” said Alton in an email. “The current site is just a lease for a fixed amount of time where 65 Delhi would be a permanent solution.
The shelter, operated by the Welcome In Drop-In Centre, is currently located at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre on Hwy. 6, north of Woodlawn Road.
Unlike the proposed permanent supportive housing project proposed for the Parkview Motel property on Woolwich Street, also to be run by the Drop-In Centre, Loyola House offers short-term accommodations.
City council declared the 65 Delhi St. property surplus in December. A staff report at the time noted the property needs about $800,000 in renovations and repairs, but does not currently have a use.
“We are planning on pursuing federal/provincial funding to cover the capital costs associated with the renovations,” said Alton. “The renovations would be to create individual units for the residents as well as common kitchen and washroom space. The design is still in the planning stage at this time.”
Without firm renovations plans in place, it’s difficult to say how many beds could be offered on Delhi Street, he noted, pointing out the current facility is “slightly” larger. There are currently 38 residents at Loyola House, though there’s space for up to 45 individuals.
Guelph Community Health Centre (GCHC), which operates a Consumption and Treatment Site out of its downtown location, recently received an exemption from Health Canada to operate a similar Urgent Public Health Needs Site (UPHNS) at Loyola House, beginning next month.
It’s not yet known what will happen regarding that second site, though there’s no plan in place to move it to Delhi Street along with the shelter.
“This time-limited Health Canada UPHNS exemption is specific to the (current Loyola House) location and is not transferable to other sites,” said Raechelle Devereaux, GCHC’s chief executive officer, in an email.
“Given the very preliminary nature of the Delhi Street discussions between the City and the County, and the continually evolving needs of our community at this time, discussions on the services and supports at the Delhi Street location have not yet commenced with community partners.”
A rezoning application for 65 Delhi St. needs to be filed and will follow the standard approvals process, which includes public consultation. Rezoning is a condition of the sale agreement.
