Guelph, Ont. - Pursuant to the recommendation of the Joint Social Services and Land Ambulance Committee, comprised of members of City and County Council, Wellington County Council has approved a recommendation to renew its lease at 128 Norfolk Street in Guelph.
The 128 Norfolk Street property, a former retirement home, has served as a temporary accommodation site for individuals experiencing homelessness, since July of 2024. The property has capacity for up to 68 individuals and is within a short walking distance of a variety of social, health, employment, and support services in the downtown core.
The County will enter into a two-year lease renewal agreement with the property owners of 128 Norfolk Street, followed by subsequent one-year renewals for 2028, 2029, and 2030.
Since 128 Norkfolk Street opened 18 months ago, 339 people have stayed at the temporary accommodation site, and 114 have become permanently housed.
“Without 128 Norfolk Street the current residents would be exposed to homelessness with reduced opportunity to find permanent housing,” said Warden Chris White. “For now, 128 Norfolk Street remains an integral part of our homelessness response in the City of Guelph.”
“128 Norfolk Street will continue to have staff onsite 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support residents of the property,” said Dave Purdy, Director of Housing Services. “The County, Stepping Stone, and other service partners will continue to collaborate, using a housing-focused approach to assist residents as they work toward permanent housing solutions."
Learn more at: www.wellington.ca/norfolk
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Media Contact:
Dave Purdy, Director of Housing Services
519.824.7822 x 4040
davep@wellington.ca