City Ends Pursuit of Wellington Avenue Site for the new H4 and Will Review Other Potential Properties
After careful consideration, the City of Windsor has decided that it will discontinue efforts to acquire the land at 700 Wellington Avenue (the site), which it was hoped could serve as the future Homelessness and Housing Help Hub (H4).
Having examined several properties, City Council originally approved the site as the location for the new H4. The seven-acre site was selected, providing enough space to develop permanent supportive housing units as well as wrap-around supports for those dealing with mental health issues, addiction and homelessness.
After a thorough due-diligence review of all factors required to deliver a successful project at this location, it has been determined that the costs associated with land acquisition would be too expensive for the City’s specific intended use. Council has therefore directed administration to end discussions related to the acquisition of 700 Wellington Avenue.
As of December 9, 2024, Council endorsed program funding to expand the shelter system this winter by adding 73 warming-centre spaces throughout Windsor-Essex, which complement the existing 35 overnight drop-in spaces currently in the system. Utilizing federal government funding through the “Reaching Home Program,” the winter initiatives in Windsor for 2024/2025 include expanding the hours at H4 to operate an overnight warming centre with 35 spaces available from 12 a.m. to 8 a.m.; adding 12 spaces to the Salvation Army warming centre, available from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m.; adding 17 spaces to the Welcome Centre Shelter for Women and Families, available from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.; and funding for urgent repairs and/or capital improvements at various shelters. One important improvement includes a decision to explore the conversion of the pool at the former Water World into additional shelter space, which will provide additional shelter beds and support expanded services at the City’s temporary H4.
The City will continue to search for a new site for the permanent H4 that will allow for inclusion of many partner services, such as the Downtown Mission, to co-locate at one site and provide full-service delivery.
Quotes:
“We are taking meaningful, measurable, and fiscally responsible steps to continue supporting our vulnerable population. This year, we have made significant investments in the temporary H4 by expanding hours, enhancing services, and increasing access. We did our due diligence on the property and have determined that land acquisition costs would exceed our identified budget. Accordingly, we will be looking for another location to serve as the permanent home for the H4, as City Council remains committed to securing the appropriate site and getting this right. For H4 to be sustainable and effective, the City and Council must strike a balance between providing robust support and maintaining fiscal prudence while continuing to advocate for significant funding from upper levels of government. In the meantime, we are proceeding with upgrades to the temporary site, which will need to be open for the next few years while the work to locate a new site, gather funding, and undertake construction occurs.” - Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens
“The current H4 model has proven to be successful in our community, and administration remains committed to finding a new location that will expand on the supports and services and provide the permanent supportive housing units that are critical to achieving our overall goal of reducing chronic homelessness.” - Andrew Daher, Commissioner, Human and Health Services