Delays mean Hamilton's 1st outdoor shelter won't open until mid-January

The opening of Hamilton's first outdoor shelter has been delayed until the New Year. 

A few weeks ago, the city said the 40 tiny homes would be ready for about 80 people to move into by Dec. 20. 

The city is now expecting the site to be ready by mid-January, staff said in a communication update to councillors and the mayor Wednesday.

The temporary shelter, on Barton-Tiffany lands in central Hamilton, will be opened in phases, the city said. 

The city also announced Good Shepherd, a community service provider, will operate the shelter. 

Delivery of the tiny homes, also called "microshelters," and washroom facilities will be later than expected, said the update.

The project has also faced "unexpected setbacks" related to additional health and safety measures.

"Staff recognize the urgency of this issues, especially as winter weather approaches," said the update.

"Ensuring the project is done right, with health and safety as a top priority, requires careful due diligence." 

Council approved the project in September, along with adding 192 indoor shelter beds in time for winter. 

So far 79 of the new beds have opened, as of Dec. 13, according to the city's website. 

The outdoor shelter process was halted by the Ministry of Labour in November because the city hadn't met all of the province's requirements before beginning the construction process.

Work resumed in early December with Rankin Construction Inc. leading it, the city said. 

A local Indigenous-led company called MicroShelters Inc. is providing the prefabricated "quick assemble" structures that will be hooked up to water, heat, and electricity, Rankin Construction posted on social media. 

To date, the city has approved the site plans, started asphalt paving for where buildings will be located and installed temporary fences, the update said. 

Hamilton Water is also currently installing a water line.