924/928 Sydenham Road

Front entrance of the shelter

Yesterday, we welcomed members of the Kingston community into the 928 Sydenham Road shelter for guided tours and meaningful conversation. More than 60 neighbours joined us to meet our team, walk through the space, and learn how this coordinated response will support some of our community’s most vulnerable residents.

Seating area for shelter residents

Beginning late next week, we will start welcoming residents through a phased approach, with all anticipated residents settled in by the end of February. This gradual transition allows individuals to settle in with stability and dignity while ensuring our team can provide attentive, person-centred support from day one.

At the end of January, we held our third Community Liaison Committee (CLC) meeting. The following is a summary of the discussions, including questions and answers.

After acknowledging the territory of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Huron–Wendat, the CLC committee voted to approve the terms of reference. Members elected to keep meeting summaries and reports anonymous, out of respect for privacy.

Shelter Operator, CFOC-Doors of Compassion, then introduced Kim Bartlett, who will be the Manager of Operations for the shelter. Kim brings years of experience in the sector and experience with Doors of Compassion’s model. She is relocating from the Durham-Ajax region to manage the new shelter in Kingston.

City Staff then presented a construction update on the projected occupancy of the site, appliance and furniture installation, as well as the phased opening planned for February. The committee was informed that due to the weather preventing some exterior work, occupancy experienced delays. The shelter unit has also been assigned the new civic address of 928 Sydenham Road, with the original house remaining as 924 Sydenham Road.

The remainder of the meeting was dedicated to discussion about the site itself, shelter operations and next steps.

Discussions Summary

Is the site on a septic system?

City staff confirmed that the house and shelter (924 and 928 Sydenham Road) have been hooked up to the municipal sewer system.

Confirming the property was not designated as a heritage site?

City staff confirmed that the property does not have heritage status. There were recommendations to preserve trees and hedges, which were fulfilled.

What was the property zoned?

The site is zoned arterial commercial.

Where is the money coming from for this project (Property purchase, Renovations, Trailers, etc.)?

City staff explained that Kingston is the local housing and homelessness service manager, which assigns the municipality responsibility for the entire housing continuum. Funding for housing and homelessness projects comes from a variety of sources, including the federal Housing Accelerator Fund and provincial Homelessness Prevention Fund. In the 2026 budget, City Council approved 10 million for affordable, supportive, transitional housing, which will go towards rent, renovations and affordable housing. The 928 CFOC Doors of Compassion Shelter is funded through a combination of the City and Province of Ontario.

Can the community be provided with a breakdown of the funding structure?

The Housing and Homelessness Advisory Committee report from Nov. 20, 2025, includes the 2025 Housing & Homelessness budget. This budget indicates the funding source and amount for funding across the City’s Housing & Homelessness Services. The specific funding for homelessness shelters, which includes the 928 CFOC Doors of Compassion and other existing shelters, is funded by $1,482,562 municipal funds (including Frontenac County Recovery) and $3,408,416 provincial Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) funds.

Could we post a video tour of the shelter?

A tour for media and community members took place on Feb. 12. We will be sharing a virtual video tour on the project page in the coming weeks.

Where is the Shelter’s designated smoking area?

The smoking area will be located at the back of the property. This area will not be visible from the road.

Could parking signage be added to ensure safety?

City staff have taken feedback on road parking and will examine the possibility of signage as well as the condition of the nearby parking lot.

Who will be working at the shelter, and what training / qualifications will they have?

Doors of Compassion shared that recruitment has gone very well. The majority of individuals have already been working in shelters or with agencies. Some staff also bring valuable lived experiences.

Training will be done in person, including at least 7-9 days of orientation and intensive training. All staff will have training in the following:

• Deescalation
• Site Clean Up
• Skills development
• Crisis Prevention Training
• First aid
• Food Handlers
• Vulnerable Sectors Checks

How many staff will be hired?

The shelter will have three shifts per day. Two staff plus one patron relations staff (total of three). There will be a total of twenty-one staff. There will be weekday staff (Monday-Friday) and weekend staff (Saturday-Sunday). The shelter will operate 24/7, seven days a week.

How will the shelter open?

Doors of Compassion is working on a phased opening that will bring individuals into the shelter gradually. Five people will move in at a time, as they are identified as a good fit for the shelter. This approach allows people to become acclimatized. Doors of Compassion also reiterated that patrons have to be referred to 928 CFOC Doors of Compassion by phone or email, which minimizes loitering.

How are the individuals selected for the shelter? Are there any exclusions? What is the selection process like, and how far along the continuum will the accepted patrons be?

Doors of Compassion explained that this is a low-barrier shelter. Patrons must be 18+.

The location may not be suited for individuals who would prefer to remain downtown. This shelter is not a safe consumption site nor a harm reduction site. Doors of Compassion will develop partnerships with other agencies that can transport people to those services. Patrons are not screened for convictions; however, staff emphasized that it is the people who are not stabilized and chronically on the streets who typically pose a risk to community. 928 CFOC Doors of Compassion offers a stable shelter where patrons can stay 24/7.

City Staff and Doors of Compassion also clarified that individuals with convictions are monitored by the Police. Regarding concerns about children’s safety, Kingston Police constantly monitor any individuals who pose a risk.

Has Doors of Compassion connected with other local organizations?

Yes, Doors of Compassion has connected with KFL&A AMHS, Lionhearts and other local organizations. They continue to build connections as they reach out to other community partners.

Describe an average day from a patron’s perspective:

When first arriving at the shelter, Doors of Compassion staff give patrons seven days to get to know staff and to get comfortable in the space. One of the conditions for patrons is that they are continuously working towards goals. Goals do not have to be housing-related.

Patrons will have daily in-house programming to help prepare for housing, which includes life skills development, cleaning responsibilities, serving food, laundry, housing supports, financial aid and talking sessions. Doors of Compassion also host Karaoke nights and movie nights for patrons.

Patrons will be served three meals a day. Birthdays will be celebrated once a month for everyone that month. They also celebrate the holiday season and collaborate with the community to gift handwritten cards, baskets, or gift cards to patrons.

Describe an average day from the shelter staff's perspective:

Doors of Compassion explained that their staff perform many roles and responsibilities, with everyone being there for a reason. First and foremost, staff build a repertoire with patrons by learning their goals and supporting them.

Staff maintain standards inside and outside of the shelter. They provide first aid where necessary, and they help patrons meet their daily needs.

Does Doors of Compassion feel comfortable with the space and size of the shelter?

Doors of Compassion is comfortable with the building and very excited for spring when they are able to use the outdoor space. They plan to partner with Tipi Moza to offer programming in the fenced outdoor area. This outdoor space will include flower beds and gardens.

While Doors of Compassion cannot promise there will be no incidents in the area, they bring experience responding to community and resolving issues. At a Doors of Compassion shelter in Whitby, the shelter is directly adjacent to houses and they have been successful at responding to community concerns. 928 Sydenham Road offers more space and opportunities to provide privacy and successful integration.

Will there be a need for community volunteers?

Doors of Compassion has a process for welcoming community volunteers. Volunteers must have a Vulnerable Sectors Check. Doors of Compassion also hosts students and interns. They will also be organizing community programming. Often, former patrons come back as volunteers and staff for Doors of Compassion. Staff also have involvement in the design of programming.

What should the community do if they notice something involving patrons?

Doors of Compassion shared that the community should contact Doors of Compassion’s community line if they have something to report. Doors of Compassion is committed to being approachable, active, and responsible.

Corrective actions will be taken with the goal of helping people stay sheltered. Doors of Compassion’s Executive Director and Senior Manager will be in Kingston regularly.

Will the back entrance with parking be closed for security?

The back entrance will be reserved for staff. All patrons will be entering and exiting through the front (through the laneway of the house at 924 Sydenham Road). Patrons have a curfew of 10 p.m. There will be a Community Care team that patrols the shelter site and security cameras to see where people are going. Doors of Compassion will be monitoring the back of the shelter and responding as needed.

Will there be space for vehicles to turn around in the parking lot?

The parking lot has ample room for staff and service vehicles. City staff committed to taking back this comment to ensure that the parking lot is configured to allow waste services to turn around.

Will there be communication with the proximate school?

Doors of Compassion is looking to engage with the nearby school (Destiny Christian Academy), as well as the surrounding community and the greater Kingston community.

Committee members noted that Kingston Police were going to assess the school’s yard. The committee also noted that most schools and parks are not completely fenced.

A CLC member shared that they have shared information with the school and encouraged Doors of Compassion to reach out so they can help address any concerns and plan future communications.

Can there be more public education to remove fear?

At the Feb. 3, 2026 City Council meeting, Council passed a motion to review how to improve the process for housing and homelessness projects. Staff are actively looking at how to best deliver information to the community and will report back to Council in July 2026.

Doors of Compassion staff also reminded the committee that many issues already exist, and it is important that existing issues are not associated with the opening of the shelter. The committee agreed that there are currently littered vapes along Sydenham Road. There are people experiencing housing insecurity and sleeping rough in the area, some of whom may access the shelter while others may not.

Doors of Compassion plans to introduce its programming, where they host breakfast with the police and patrons at the shelter. This initiative has been successful at their other shelter locations by creating a neutral space for both sides and changing perceptions. Along with partnerships with community organizations and police, Doors of Compassion is also working closely on communications with the City of Kingston.

The committee also reiterated the commitment to a six-month review after opening.

Updates & Next Steps

Since the CLC meeting, Doors of Compassion followed through with organizing an online public information session and providing opportunities for community to sign up for shelter site tours. The recording of the public information session is now posted to Door’s of Compassion's YouTube Channel and on the Get Involved Kingston page. The video tour of the shelter will also be shared on Get Involved Kingston and emailed to subscribers once completed.

The shelter is anticipated to open in February. Doors of Compassion and City staff will collaborate on communication and coordination for the phased opening.

The following information has been posted by the shelter operator, Doors of Compassion:

Tonight, Thursday, Jan. 29, CFOC- Doors of Compassion is hosting an online information session about the upcoming opening of the shelter at 928/924 Sydenham Road that they will be operating. Below is their invitation to register for the online session. Doors of Compassion will also be sharing a summary and recording of the session which will be shared here on Get Involved Kingston.

Invitation from Doors of Compassion

Dear City of Kingston Residents,

We are pleased to invite residents to an upcoming online information session regarding the new emergency shelter at 928 Sydenham Road, scheduled to open in mid-February.

Online Information Session
📅 Thursday, January 29
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Virtual (registration link below)

This session will provide an overview of the shelter’s operational model, service approach, safety protocols, and community engagement processes. A facilitated Q&A will be included to support shared understanding and coordination.

👉 Register Here

At the end of November, we held our second Community Liaison Committee (CLC). The following is a summary of the discussions and the presentation by CFOC -Doors of Compassion (CFOC-DOC), the organization that will be operating the 924 Sydenham Road Shelter.

After a welcome and Land Acknowledgement, the balance of the meeting was dedicated to the shelter operator. CFOC- DOC gave a presentation about their organization (Slides below) before spending the remainder of the meeting in a Q&A with CLC members.

Q & A

Questions from CLC answered by Doors of Compassion

Why Kingston?

CFOC- DOC has a successful model that they would like to share with other areas. Members of CFOC- DOC also have personal experience working in social services and with family members who have direct experience with struggles related to homelessness. Their model is a trauma-informed, dignity-based, and non-judgmental approach that builds relationships. They have the capacity and the model to fulfill Kingston’s RFP.

Additionally, CFOC- DOC has connections with agencies doing some of this work in Kingston, such as Tipi Moza and Ryandale. They are familiar with the work being done. They acknowledge there is much to learn but know that with their experience and the knowledge of local partners they will be able to serve the community. CFOC- DOC is confident their model can be operationalized anywhere in the country.

Who from the Doors of Compassion team will be in Kingston?

924 Sydenham Road will be part of an existing Shelter Manager portfolio and comes with close to 30 years' experience in social services. Additionally, there are CFOC- DOC team members who are planning to relocate to Kingston, and CFOC- DOC will be actively recruiting staff members in Kingston.

CFOC- DOC will also work in partnership with local organizations to hire people who will fit the needed roles for the shelter. The Executive Team will be very intentional and involved in the process.

How will Patrons be selected for the program?

City Staff will work in partnership with CFOC- DOC and move individuals into the shelter through a coordinated access approach. City Staff are currently collecting information from City funded shelters, transitional and supportive housing projects to better understand the level of acuity and needs of those living. The goal will then be to move people to services and locations where they are best aligned for success. Opening of the shelter will be a phased one to ensure Patrons have the time to adjust and ensure social connections are successful. CFOC- DOC has experience using a phased approach to opening at their Whitby shelter and found it to be successful

Will there be limits on who can use the Shelter?

Nobody under the age of 18 will be permitted to live at 924 Sydenham Road. Anyone over the age of 18 can be referred as long as they are housing focused and abiding by rules and expectations.

How can the community help you?

A detailed plan on how to build partnerships and communicate will be shared in the near future. CFOC- DOC is 100% open to having opportunities to build. Will be having conversations with those who are unhoused in Kingston as well.

How do you address stigma?

CFOC- DOC operates a “Coffee with Cops” initiative that has seen great success. What started as 4 Patrons attending has turned into full attendance of 50+ Patrons. It has helped police and shelter Patrons to see each other in a different light, know one another by name, and break down stigma. Crime rates have reduced since being there, and Patrons even go into the community to help clean up the area.

What is a “Hub”?

In one of their Durham region locations, CFOC- DOC operates a full-service hub that acts as a community center with wrap-around services. This is different from the Integrated Care Hub in Kingston. CFOC- DOC does not operate a safe-injection site.

How would you deal with a complaint from a neighbouring resident about someone on their property?

CFOC- DOC explained how they would listen to the residents, welcome them and sit down with them. They would also work alongside the shelter Patron to correct that behaviour.

Warnings will be provided. If not adhered to, then the Patron would have to leave the property and CFOC- DOC would support them being relocated. Staff are trained in deescalation and would only involve police if needed. They have been very successful in changing the direction of behaviours.

Also, CFOC- DOC is mindful that not all issues are related to Patrons, though shelter Patrons are often blamed. They will work to do research and investigation and seek evidence such as camera footage.

What will happen if a Patron is using drugs next door to the shelter or in the surrounding area?

No drug use will be permitted on shelter premises or within the surrounding area. If caught in the immediate area, they will have conversations and explain the consequences. If it continues, they place themselves at risk of losing their bed.

What should I do if there are drug use or paraphernalia concerns?

Communicate with CFOC- DOC about concerns as they can bring issues up at their weekly house meetings with Patrons. Staff will be working to ensure that Patrons are disposing of things in a safe manner, not littering in the community and doing community clean-ups. The team is trained to collect at retrieve paraphernalia.

Recognizing the issue of addiction, CFOC- DOC’s program works with individuals to get them to a place that they do not need to use anymore. They work with individuals to help them succeed and work with the community to make sure the problem is taken care of. They will be partners to make sure the community is heard and that the community is aware of the steps they are taking.

Will there be a sharps disposal bin on site?

Yes, while Patrons are not permitted to use on site or in the immediate neighbourhood, CFOC- DOC encourages them to bring needles to the property for proper disposal. This has successfully minimized needles in other locations.

What steps will be taken for community safety?

CFOC- DOC will ensure the site is monitored and maintained. Will also help to locate and bring back a Patron if necessary. Will conduct ongoing conversations and house meetings to foster growing respect for the neighbourhood and one another.

There will be security and a curfew from 10pm-7am with some grace. This system helps reduce loitering. As mentioned, CFOC- DOC uses a strike system and facilitates conversations about how they can help.

How many staff will work at a time?

There will be a minimum of 3 staff at all times. Will have manager, team lead and security. Aim to avoid saturation but ensure minimum of 3.

Questions from CLC answered by Housing & Social Services

Is the Adelaide Street Emergency Shelter (38 Cowdy Street) closing?

Yes, Adelaide shelter is closing, and those beds will be shifting to 924 Sydenham Road and new supportive housing units. It will not necessarily be a direct shift, but a coordinated access approach will be taken to ensure that Patrons are matched with the appropriate place. Adelaide was always intended to be temporary, and there are structural concerns with the site. When 924 Sydenham Road shelter opens the capacity at Adelaide shelter will be reduced by 30. This will leave Adelaide shelter at 25 individuals. The remaining individuals will be relocated to an appropriate site as the 3 new supportive housing sites come on-line in the first quarter of 2026 and Adelaide Street Shelter emergency shelter services wind down as of March 31, 2026.

Other places opening in 2026 include Queen Mary Road, targeted to open by July 1, 2026 for individuals aged 55+ that have mobility issues. Queen Mary Road will also include a primary health clinic and community space for transitional housing residents. 484 Albert Street youth Services is targeted to open Summer of 2026 and will include 38 transitional youth units.

Is 924 Sydenham Road a temporary shelter?

Yes, the plan is for the shelter to operate for up to 5 years Modular design will allow for movement. Potential for other uses of the site post-shelter.

How will trust be built with the community?

We cannot do this alone. We need our partner agencies and an intentional approach to find the best ways to support individuals and the community.

Will there be an opportunity for neighbours to visit the site?

Yes, The CLC will have the opportunity to tour 924 Sydenham Road. Additionally, some form of open house will be hosted for all near neigbours. Logistics will be determined at a later date closer to opening.

Will CFOC- DOC be operating one of the Supportive Housing Units that have been purchased?

The agreement with CFOC-DOC is only for Sydenham Road. For the other three sites, we will decide which operator is best for each location based on the agencies that are successful in the RFSQ process. Best matches based on community and demographics.

CFOC-DOC Slides:

Please be advised Sydenham Road will be closed from Princess St to Cataraqui Woods Dr on December 15th from 9am to 12pm for an urgent pole replacement by Hydro One for the 924 Sydenham Road Shelter project.

Local traffic will be accommodated as per the posted detour signage and access for emergency vehicles will be maintained by the contractor accordingly.

The following map indicates the closure:

At the start of November, we held the first Community Liaison Committee (CLC) meeting for 924 Sydenham Road. The committee is composed of 9 community members in addition to City staff. Members bring unique lived experiences and perspectives, having been selected to be representative of the diverse interests of the area. Members have a shared interest in supporting the shelter and voicing any concerns.

The Committee engaged across three segments:

• Roundtable Introductions
• Background & Events to Date
• Shelter Operations Q&A

Roundtable Introductions

CLC members shared their various vocations and lived experiences, including working with people experiencing homeless and mental health. The committee also saw representation from the parent perspective of having children in the district.

Background

During this discussion, CLC members asked questions about traffic, parking and road safety with an emphasis placed on the lack of a sidewalk for northbound foot-traffic. Staff shared that there has been a request for a study into a possible reduction of the speed limit from 60km/h to 50km/h.

The committee also asked questions regarding the satisfying of all necessary permits (i.e. planning). Staff explained that a rigorous process was followed including additional costs to ensure tree protection, fencing, lighting and accessibility.

Operations Q&A

The committee discussed the operations of the 924 Sydenham shelter. Staff clarified that individuals will be staying night after night and it will operate as a 24/7 shelter. Staff shared that this site is committed to recovery (i.e. no drug use). It is designed to be low barrier, so pets will be welcome.

There was broad consensus on the committee that communication with the community is key. Ideas for improving communication included ensuring everyone in the neighbourhood receives a post-card as well as sharing documents and allowing neighbours the opportunity to provide feedback. The members of the CLC acknowledged the importance of effective communication to address misinformation.

CLC members asked about direct mechanisms to provide feedback or observations once the shelter is up and running. Staff suggested these be reported via MyKingston service requests, as well as City Council and the Street Outreach team.

Next Steps

The next CLC meeting is scheduled to occur at the end of November.

Construction at 924 Sydenham is well underway to prepare the site to welcome the trailers. This includes grading, utility installation, tree protection and related activities.

The has been a slight delay in delivering the trailers to Kingston. We now expect them to arrive in Kingston in early November. They will be temporarily staged at the Cataraqui Area before being moved to the site. When moving the trailers to 924 Sydenham Road, neighbours and drivers will be notified, as this will involve a scheduled road closure. Information about any service disruptions will be shared closer to these dates to keep the community aware of the construction activities and any impacts to the public.

If you have questions or comments about the project, please let us know.