Delays halt opening of Hamilton’s outdoor homeless shelter

The City of Hamilton says there have been unexpected delays on the planned opening of the outdoor homeless shelter site at Barton and Tiffany.

Last month, the province raised concerns with the city over construction at the site and issued a stop-work order due to confusion over permitting.

Since then, a protective membrane, capping system, and paving work have been completed.

The city’s website stated that the project was still on schedule. However, city staff released an update indicating that setbacks would prevent the site from opening.

In the meantime, the city says it has opened 64 temporary drop-in beds at the old Cathedral Boys’ School so that no one is left out in the cold.

On Dec. 20 Hamilton mayor Andrea Horwath issued a statement regarding the update on the temporary outdoor shelter site and shelter bed expansion, saying that she is “extremely disappointed with the delay” and that she has asked City staff to keep her office updated on the progress.

Please see my statement below regarding the update on the Temporary Outdoor Shelter Site and Shelter Bed Expansion. #HamOnt pic.twitter.com/PY2LBHDBUk

— Andrea Horwath (@AndreaHorwath) December 20, 2024

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