Frequently asked questions

London, like many cities across Canada, is facing significant challenges related to housing affordability and homelessness. Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated effort between all levels of government and community partners. These challenges are not unique to London but reflect broader systemic issues across Canada.

The City of London’s long-term goal is to increase access to supportive, affordable, permanent housing. While that work continues to advance, many people experiencing homelessness need immediate help. In response, the City is developing London’s Micro-Modular Shelter as an additional measure beyond the services already in place that provide housing and support to vulnerable individuals. 

The project was endorsed by City Council on October 14, 2025, and follows a Mayoral Direction to develop a plan for a temporary micro-modular shelter site in London.

The site is expected to welcome participants in January 2026, pending completion of required site preparations. The City is finalizing the installation of shelter units and all supporting facilities, including showers, washrooms, and communal spaces, to ensure the site is fully ready for opening.

London’s Micro-Modular Shelter will provide safe, private housing space with 60 furnished units, each with electricity, heating, and cooling. Ten of these units will be designed for couples who want to live together.

The units will be grouped into small neighbourhood-style clusters to help create a sense of community. The site will also have washrooms, showers, a dining area with meals provided onsite, office space, and parking. Laundry services will also be provided. 

There will be a designated on-leash dog-walking area for participants with pets.

Safety features will include 24/7 staffing, safe entry measures, cameras, and lighting throughout the site. Safety of the participants, staff, and neighbouring business community are of critical importance. 

The site operator will be on site at all times, and they will work together with the City of London and local agencies to provide tailored supports to participants.

It is anticipated that participants will have access to case management, help navigating services, and mental health and addiction supports. 

The main goal is to help people stabilize, get the supports they need, and move toward permanent housing.

The site will provide housing for individuals and couples who were experiencing unsheltered homelessness in London. 

People will be referred to London’s Micro-Modular Shelter through Coordinated Access, a community-wide system that uses shared data and standardized processes to assess, prioritize, and match individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness with the right housing and supports at the right time.

Yes. Couples can stay together in the units designed for two people.

Yes. Participants can bring their pets, and the site will include a designated on-leash dog-walking area.

The site will be operated by Xpera. They have experience managing emergency accommodation sites and temporary housing in remote and high-risk environments. Xpera has supported a wide range of groups, including First Nations evacuees, asylum seekers, refugees, and people experiencing homelessness.

At London’s Micro-Modular Shelter, Xpera will manage daily site operations, maintain a safe environment for participants, and support participants with day-to-day needs. Their staff are trained in trauma-informed practices, cultural awareness, First Aid/CPR, and crisis response. 

Xpera will work closely with the City and local health, housing, and outreach partners. Collaboration with local service providers will be central to helping participants stabilize and move toward permanent housing, while also coordinating meaningful daily programming on site.

Yes. Xpera will provide transportation for participants so they can get to appointments, meetings, work, and other essential activities. The goal is to make sure people can move around the community safely and reliably while they work toward permanent housing and stability.

In addition, LTC Route 30 currently serves the area with weekday service from 6:30–11:00 a.m. and 2:30–11:30 p.m. The nearest bus stop is approximately 180 metres from the site entrance. 

Yes. Local homelessness-serving agencies were engaged throughout the early stages of this project. On October 27, the City met with nearly 25 organizations from across the sector to discuss London’s Micro-Modular Shelter. Their feedback helped shape the site design, the services that will be offered, and the approach used to select an operator. The City also met with local groups that already operate micro-shelter programs, and their experience directly informed the project.

Ongoing collaboration with local agencies will continue as the project moves forward. These organizations already play a critical role in supporting people in our community, and their partnership will be essential to helping participants stabilize and move toward permanent housing. Local agencies continue to operate the core services of the existing system, including nearly 400 shelter spaces, drop-in services, outreach and basic needs provision, housing programs, and meticulous care and support to individuals through various partnerships.

The total estimated cost to build and operate the Micro-Modular Shelter through March 31, 2027, is approximately $7 million. This funding comes from the City’s Reserve Fund.

Of that amount, roughly $3 million covers the capital costs for site preparation, the shelter units, and the support trailers. About $4 million is for operating the site, including the operator contract, food, maintenance, and supplies.

Participants who receive a shelter allowance through Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program will contribute that allowance toward the shared operating costs of the site.

The property at Max Brose Drive and Cheese Factory Road was selected as the micro-modular shelter site because it is City-owned, away from residential neighbourhoods, and has access to water, sewer, and hydro services. The site is large enough for emergency access and has passed environmental and archaeological reviews.