New temporary shelter set to open in St. Catharines

A new temporary, housing focused, shelter is set to open in St. Catharines to increase support for those experiencing homelessness in Niagara.

The shelter will bring a 50-bed modular shelter to 29 Riordon St. in St. Catharines, the current site of a parking lot.

The site is expected to be operational in early 2024 and remain open for around two years while the region looks for a location to establish a permanent, year-round shelter.

In a statement released Tuesday, the region says that the modular housing units “provide a unique and rapid solution that allows the Region to advance recommendations made in a recent shelter capacity review.”

The region says the site was chosen given its ideal access to transit and support services for clients. Additionally, officials say that it has been determined to be at a safe and appropriate distance from other vulnerable populations in the city.

Addressing the new temporary shelter, St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe says it is “one step in the right direction to address the need for these services in our community and provide better options for residents in need.”

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