Peterborough city council has approved key funding to maintain enhanced winter shelter services for people experiencing homelessness during the 2025-2026 season, while declining some proposed program expansions.
Council endorsed budget pre-commitments for 2026 that include a $250,000 increase to the Housing Stability Fund and $285,600 to expand the Brock Mission’s 24/7 shelter capacity. However, council did not support continued funding for enhancements to Trinity’s Overnight Drop-in Program ($269,280) or expanded hours at Trinity’s daytime program ($244,800), both previously funded through reserves in 2025.
The winter homelessness response plan follows a February 2025 directive for city staff to outline options for the coming season. Homelessness remains a pressing issue in Peterborough, mirroring trends across Ontario. From November 2024 to April 2025, 637 individuals experienced homelessness for at least one day.
Data from the Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS) and observations by municipal law enforcement estimate a daily average of 25 to 40 unsheltered individuals in the city.
Emergency shelter occupancy over that period shows Brock Mission, with 40 beds, operating at 99% capacity; Cameron House (12 beds) at 88%; YES Shelter for youth and families (30 beds) at 61%; and Trinity overnight program (45 beds) exceeding capacity at 103%.
Potential service expansion options outlined for future consideration include:
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Opening a new winter overnight warming space for 30 to 35 people, costing $300,000 over six months
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Operating a warming bus with an overnight route for shelter on wheels, at $600,000 over six months
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Creating a new winter-only shelter operating six months at $300,000 plus space costs for overnight only, or $800,000 plus space for a 24/7 program
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Adding 8 to 10 beds to existing shelters, with costs to be determined
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Adding modular units at Wolfe Street Modular Bridge Housing Community, with room for 16 units at an estimated $1.2 million in capital costs, about $70,000 per unit
Council’s funding decisions aim to sustain the current level of support while carefully evaluating options for expanding services to meet the ongoing demand for shelter and housing stability in Peterborough through the challenging winter months.
