City looking for landowners willing to host a homeless encampment

If you’re interested in hosting a temporary sheltered encampment on your property, city officials want to hear from you.

In response to a mayoral direction handed down last month – that potential encampment locations be identified – Guelph residents are being asked to step up to the plate and provide their lands to help address ongoing issues of homelessness in the city.

“These sites will serve as safe havens for those in need for a minimum period of three years,” states a solicitation posted on the city’s website. “While properties within one kilometre of the downtown core are preferred, all submissions will be considered.”

Anyone interested in volunteering their property is asked to indicate their interest by April 26, though offers will be accepted afterward. Offers received will be contemplated ahead of a staff report to council later this spring. 

Prior to the mayor’s order being made on Feb. 28, but after his intention was announced, a group of community members known as the Tiny Homes Bridging Coalition went public with their hope of creating a collection of tiny homes in an effort to address homelessness sooner than the government would.

Spokesperson Mike Marcolongo said the coalition has heard from one interested property owner, but there’s no firm commitment in place. He expressed interest in working with city officials on the municipal project, noting two encampments would be better than one.

Prospective property providers are asked to reach out to city officials vial email, [email protected], with their name, contact information and the address involved.