City of Windsor reviewing other H4 properties, no longer pursuing Wellington Avenue

Windsor city council has selected 700 Wellington Ave., seen on April 30, 2024, as the future home of Windsor's Homelessness and Housing Help Hub on a permanent basis. (Sanjay Maru/CTV News Windsor)

The City of Windsor has announced it is no longer pursuing land at 700 Wellington Avenue and is looking at other properties for the new Homelessness and Housing Help Hub (H4).

This decision has come due to the cost associated with land acquisition and it’s too expensive for the city’s budget.

“We are taking meaningful, measurable and fiscally responsible steps to continue supporting our vulnerable population,” said Mayor Drew Dilkens.

“This year, we have made significant investments in the temporary H4 by expanding hours, enhancing services and increasing access… We will be looking for another location to serve as the permanent home for the H4, as City Council remains committed to securing the appropriate site and getting this right.”

Dilkens continued, saying in order for the H4 to be sustainable and effective, there needs to be a balance between “providing robust support and maintaining fiscal prudence while continuing to advocate for significant funding from upper levels of government.”

Windsor previously looked at various properties and approved the Wellington Avenue property as the new H4 location.

A news release said the seven-acre site was chosen because it has enough space to develop permanent supportive housing units and wrap-around supports for those with addiction, mental health issues and who are experiencing homelessness.

Despite the hiccup in finding a site, Dilkens said upgrades will be made to the temporary H4 site. It is expected to be open until construction begins on a new site.

“The current H4 model has proven to be successful in our community, and administration remains committed to finding a new location that will expand on the supports and services and provide the permanent supportive housing units that are critical to achieving our overall goal of reducing chronic homelessness,” said Andrew Daher, commissioner of Human and Health Services.

Earlier this month, City Council gave funding to expand the shelter system this year, adding 73 warming-centres in Windsor-Essex.

The warming spaces operate from 12 a.m. to 8 a.m. at H4, the Salvation Army warming spaces operate from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. and the spaces at the Welcome Centre Shelter for Women and Families are available from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.