Peterborough City Council has approved several steps to support the city’s 2025–2026 winter homelessness response, including expanded services and plans to add shelter capacity.
Council approved pre-committing $250,000 in the 2026 budget for the Housing Stability Fund and $285,600 to maintain the Brock Mission’s expanded 24/7 capacity. These enhancements were previously covered by reserve funding.
Staff will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to community organizations with experience in homelessness support, with the goal of securing additional low-barrier shelter beds for the winter season. Council has requested a report listing all groups that respond to the RFP.
Council also approved a separate motion authorizing an application for capital funding to add up to 16 more units to the Wolfe Street Modular Bridge Housing Community.
However, funding was not approved to maintain two existing enhancements at Trinity United Church: $269,280 for the overnight drop-in program and $244,800 for expanded daytime hours.
Between November 2024 and April 2025, 637 individuals experienced at least one day of homelessness in Peterborough. City data shows the number of unsheltered individuals typically ranges from 25 to 40 each day, with emergency shelters often at or over capacity—particularly the Trinity overnight program, which averaged 103% occupancy.
Staff continue to evaluate additional options for winter, such as a new overnight warming space, a warming bus, or expanding shelter space, all of which would require further funding.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
