Master Plan and subsequently was engaged for the shelter review. After thorough consultation and further community engagement, Vink Consulting has provided the Emergency Shelter Review for City Council’s consideration.

The Emergency Shelter Review makes several recommendations, some of which Administration has already adopted, some of which are in progress, and some which will require additional analysis to develop the business case to properly inform City Council prior to decisions being made.

As the response to address homelessness evolves, whether due to emerging best practices or to global circumstances, Administration remains committed to serving persons experiencing homelessness at the direction of City Council.

Background:

Windsor Essex has long recognized the benefits of providing a full range of housing choice and has developed a number of strategic plans to address housing and homelessness issues in the community, including the 2004 and 2010 Windsor Essex Housing Analysis and Recommended Strategies (HARS) and the Federal Community Plan for Homelessness.

The Housing Services Act, 2011, Regulations made under the Act and the Housing Policy Statement provide that:

The City of Windsor is the designated Consolidated Municipal Service Manager legislated to deliver programs on behalf of the Provincial Government. City Council has a Housing and Homelessness Advisory Committee whose mandate is to:

To serve as an advisory body to City Council on issues relating to the supply, demand, and need for affordable housing and homelessness supports in Windsor and Essex County. Act as a medium for informational exchange with sector representatives on housing and homelessness program initiatives and community issues. Act as a resource and advocate on behalf of all stakeholders to educate and advance the awareness of Council representatives on matters pertaining to housing and homelessness. Responsible for championing the implementation of the 10 Year Housing and Homelessness Master Plan and for evaluating and monitoring progress towards meeting the goals and strategies of the Plan.”

The purpose of the 10 Year Housing and Homelessness Plan is to provide a comprehensive approach to delivering a system of housing and homelessness service in Windsor Essex. Council approved the 10 Year Plan on May 20, 2014 (CR128/2014). Throughout 2014-2019, the community worked collaboratively to complete, or make progress on, 52 of the 63 (83%) strategies outlined in the Plan.