Project Update: 38 Cowdy Street – Adelaide Street Shelter Wind‑Down and Future Use

The City of Kingston is moving forward with the planned wind‑down of temporary emergency shelter services at 38 Cowdy Street (Adelaide Street Shelter) and advancing next steps for the site’s future use

A report is being brought forward at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, with recommendations for moving forward. A summary of the recommended next steps is provided below.

Adelaide Street Shelter Wind‑Down

The Adelaide Street Shelter was always intended as a temporary emergency response to homelessness.
With a new emergency shelter site now open and supportive housing sites coming online, the City will wind down emergency shelter services at the Adelaide Street Shelter on March 31, 2026. The last night of service is March 31, and all residents must vacate the shelter by 9 a.m. on April 1, 2026.
Shelter users are being supported through coordinated access and intensive case management to help transition them to appropriate housing and services.
It is important to note that the shelter beds currently located at the Integrated Care Hub will continue to operate and City staff will work closely with Addiction & Mental Health Services to support the long-term retention of the 24 beds.

Short‑Term Use After Shelter Closure

Following wind-down of emergency shelter services at 38 Cowdy Street, the building will be closed to the public.
Council is being asked to approve a short‑term (up to 6 months) lease with Lionhearts Inc. to allow vocational laundry services to continue temporarily while they transition to a new location. The vocational laundry provides laundry services for local shelters and does not serve individuals.
During this time, the full site — including Frontenac Parkette — will remain closed.

Planned Redevelopment of the Site

Based on building condition, safety considerations, and community feedback, staff are recommending that Council reaffirm the original long‑term vision for the property:

Demolish the former school building (planned for Q4 2026).
Expand Frontenac Parkette, creating a larger neighbourhood park.
Sever and sell a small portion of the property along Cowdy Street for future residential development.
Reinvest all proceeds from the housing land sale into park development.

Housing and Park Planning

Any future housing will be along Cowdy Street only, with planning focused on small‑scale and attainable housing options.
Expanded parkland will support recreation, accessibility, and community connection, aligned with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
Staff will develop design options and site plans and report back to Council by Q3 2026.

Community Engagement

Engagement in 2025 and 2026 showed support for park expansion and mixed views on housing.
Key themes included a desire for transparency in the planning process, safety, park functionality and housing affordability.
The community will have future opportunities to provide input on park design and housing options. Updates on engagement will be shared via Get Involved Kingston.

Strategic Alignment

This approach supports City Council’s Strategic Plans through:

Theme: 1. Support Housing Affordability

Goal: 1.1 Promote increased supply and affordability of housing.

Theme: 3. Build an Active and Connected Community Goal:

3.1 Expand parks and recreation opportunities and participation.

The full report can be found in the City Council Meeting Agenda.

Further updates will be shared to the 38 Cowdy Street Get Involved Kingston page and sent to project subscribers.