Toronto to add more than 1,500 additional shelter and housing spaces during winter months

The City of Toronto has announced its annual Winter Services Plan, which includes a substantial increase in shelter and housing spaces for people experiencing homelessness during the winter months. The plan, released on Monday, aims to provide more than 1,500 additional spaces compared to previous years, marking an 18 percent rise from the previous year.

Key features of the plan include the opening of 1,533 additional shelter and housing spaces, comprising up to 588 permanent supportive and subsidized units, approximately 505 new shelter and 24-hour respite spaces, and 254 warming centre spaces across five sites. These warming centers will activate when temperatures drop to -5 C or during winter weather alerts. Furthermore, surge capacity will be added when temperatures fall to -15 C, with an additional 186 spaces made available.

Drop-in programs, which offer food, healthcare, showers, laundry, and recreational activities, will extend their hours by 252 extra hours each week. City staff will continue to conduct outreach activities to provide essential services and winter supplies throughout the season. During extreme cold weather, additional street outreach teams will be dispatched to encourage people to seek indoor shelter.

The City reports a decrease in the number of people requiring homelessness services since the 2024 Street Needs Assessment. Over 4,100 individuals have moved from the shelter system into permanent housing in the past year, according to the City. While homelessness in the province rose by 17.9 percent, in Toronto, it decreased by 8.2 percent.

The City cites a new report by the Financial Accountability Office of Ontario, stating that while homelessness in the province increased, it fell in Toronto. Additionally, the number of encampments has dropped significantly, from over 353 in October 2025 to approximately 118 in October 2026 - a 67 percent reduction. The City emphasizes that while the winter services plan provides emergency spaces during the cold weather, ongoing efforts are being made to stabilize the shelter system by developing 1,600 long-term shelter spaces through the Homelessness Services Capital Infrastructure Strategy.