The North York Women's Shelter has released ground-breaking news - they will have a brand new facility come Autumn 2019. During the closure of the former site, residents have been relocated to other locations or have found long-term housing accommodations. Upon the launch of the new facility, women and children will be gradually transitioned into the space in order to bring the shelter back to full capacity and best serve the local community.
The facility will be 24,000 sq. ft. in size, with an abundant amount of windows installed to allow for natural lighting throughout the building. The reception and intake area has been envisioned to instill a calm atmosphere, with comfortable furnishings and soft music set to play in the background. There will be a secondary entrance for visitors and those looking to inquire for more information about the space.
Numerous lounges have been integrated into the floor plan of the facility. These lounges are large enough to both accommodate and encourage a social atmosphere and overall sense of community. The kitchen and dining room area have been specifically designed for a communal purpose. Residents will be encouraged to cook for themselves as well as eat together at each meal. The notion of supporting one another through routine and open spaces is integral to the health and wellbeing of the residents. There will also be a sufficient amount of counsellors to provide additional advice, provisions and referrals. In addition to providing refuge and treatment, the aim of the programs that will be offered will be to break the cycle of violence and spread awareness to the community.
In terms of outdoor space, there will be a fenced-in garden and BBQ area in place for the enjoyment of the residents. Women can watch their children play together while they relax in a secluded space together.
The initial capacity of the building will be 30 people distributed between 17 bedrooms. Each bedroom will have a private bathroom for the sake of further ease and contentment. The 30 count includes both women and dependent children who will be utilizing beds, but not toddlers and newborns, as they will be provided with their own cribs. The maximum capacity for the new facility will be 40 people.
Another prominent feature of the new shelter is the pet lounge, which will be situated in the basement. Allowing women and children to bring their pets with them assists with the transition into the facility and into future accommodations. Pets and support animals offer emotional fulfillment and familiarity.
The new North York Women’s Shelter will serve as a benchmark for future housing designs and projects. The new facility will cost $12 million to construct, with $9 million secured and an additional $3 million remaining to be solidified through fundraising efforts. The Rotary Club of North York is a key stakeholder and donor for this project, having gifted the largest donation in the club’s history.