65 Delhi Transitional Housing

Local data and feedback from clients show there are immediate and longer term benefits to this approach. Examples of immediate benefits reported by clients include improved sleep; reduced stress levels and worry related to personal safety and safety of personal belongings; access to nutritious meals and snacks and importantly, the availability of on-site staff to assist with housing plans and life skills as well as the availability of on-site health services. 

With increased housing stability and sense of personal safety along with 24/7 staffing and expanded services clients are empowered to take an active role in working with staff in a way and at a pace that meets their needs. Staff can help with securing ID; connecting to primary health care; housing searches and completing applications; accessing social services supports, mental health and/or addictions support services. In this way the suite of available services and supports are flexible and can be tailored to individual needs.

With supports and services clients have improved outcomes such as:

• connections with health services 
• access permanent housing
• participation in treatment programmes

Each resident’s journey is unique, some more complicated than others, highlighting the need for a flexible approach to length of stay and a low barrier approach so that those individuals with highly complex needs and/or a history of chronic homelessness will not be left behind.

For more about how transitional/supportive housing can make a difference in the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness read Dan’s Story

County of Wellington Housing Services project planning processes 

In our role as Service System Manager the County of Wellington works on an ongoing basis to explore opportunities within our community to prevent and respond to homelessness. This work is undertaken collaboratively with a variety of local stakeholders including municipal partners; Indigenous organizations; health and human service organizations and operators of homeless serving system (e.g., Wyndham House; Stepping Stone formerly known as the Welcome In Drop In Centre that operates Loyola House pilot and Grace Gardens). 

The County of Wellington and the organizations that make up the Homeless serving system are knowledgeable about the needs of those experiencing and/or at risk of homelessness in Wellington-Guelph. As a community, we work to integrate the experience and voices of individuals who experience homelessness into our local planning processes as well as provincial and national initiatives to prevent and respond to homelessness.

From a built form perspective, the County of Wellington Housing Services remains committed to high standards of service and is working with local experts including engineers, architects and planning consultants to review and revise potential layout within the building to ensure effective design layout.

Informed by lived experiences and working in partnership with community-based health and human service professionals and Indigenous organizations we hope to design services and supports that address emerging needs and create staffing models and intake processes to ensure high quality service and supports are available to meet the needs of our diverse community.

Thresholds Homes and Supports (THS) is a value-based organization, driven by a forward-thinking approach to client care. Our teams include nurses, psychiatrists, tenant liaisons, social workers, occupational and recreation therapists, and support coordinators, who are committed to our model of care, client empowerment, and best practice frameworks such as harm reduction and housing first. Thresholds supports over 1,000 clients throughout the housing continuum in three distinct communities; Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph; and is represented at three OHTs.

As a leading housing provider in Waterloo/Wellington, Thresholds is uniquely positioned to provide both deeply affordable housing as well as support to clients, managing the relationship of both landlord and support network from an anti-eviction perspective. With over 350 housing units and rent subsidies funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care, Thresholds is able ensure that our client base can maintain housing on a limited income source, decreasing pressure on the shelter system and emergency services. Thresholds continues to incorporate a deeper understanding of anti-oppressive and anti-racist practice frameworks and the integration of inclusionary practices in our approach to care.

Thresholds currently owns and operates 14 facilities, comprised of both group home and residential buildings, dedicated to our clients. The group homes, ranging from high support to low support, are transitional in nature and specifically designed to assist clients in developing the skills needed to live independently. Clients are guided through programming specific to their needs and provided individualized support plans which allows for transition to lower-support housing and eventually private housing.

Thresholds Homes and Supports also maintains community programmes for those highly at risk, inclusive of ACT / FACT teams and crisis beds. Thresholds will be the lead agency at 65 Delhi Street, allocating funding, coordination of mental health support, and leadership. Collaboration is essential to this project, and we view our relationship to sector partners as equal contributors.

• February 2025: Grand opening and first residents welcomed.
• June 27, 2024: Housing Services staff recommend  a conditional commitment to execute a service agreement with Thresholds Homes and Supports. 
• April 18, 2024: Request for Proposals closes for delivery of Transitional Housing with Supports at 65 Delhi Street
• March 18 2024: Request for Proposals opens for delivery of Transitional Housing with Supports at 65 Delhi Street 
• 2024: Construction and retrofitting of the building, with a focus on creating accessible, culturally safe spaces. The County partnered with Thresholds Homes and Supports.
• January 26, 2023: The County of Wellington County Council approved the design for 65 Delhi to go to tender as presented by architects. View the approved designs from the January 26 County Council meeting. 
• September 13, 2022: The Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) reached a decision on the appeal, upholding the City of Guelph Council approval of zoning by-law amendments. 
• August 2022: The Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) hearing took place regarding the appeal of City of Guelph Council approval of the proposal's zoning by-law amendment application.  
• August 2021: An appeal of City of Guelph Council approval of the proposal's zoning by-law amendment application was filed with the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT). 
• July 12, 2021: City of Guelph Council unanimously approved the proposal's zoning by-law amendment application for Transitional Housing with Supports for up to 28 individuals at 65 Delhi. Watch the recording of the July 12 City of Guelph Council meeting. 
• July 9, 2021: On behalf of the County of Wellington, MHBC Planning submits request to the City of Guelph to revise the application to reflect a maximum of 28 supportive housing bedrooms. 
• June 29, 2021: Virtual Information Session hosted by Ward 2 Councilors James Gordon and Rodrigo Goller. Watch the recording of the Virtual Information Session.
• June 4, 2021: On behalf of the County of Wellington, MHBC Planning submits updates to application to City of Guelph in response to planning comments at the May 10, 2021 City of Guelph Council Meeting. Learn more about updates to the application.
• May 10, 2021: City of Guelph held Statutory Public Meeting (virtually). Watch the recording of the May 10 City of Guelph Council meeting.
• April 30, 2021: City of Guelph Staff Report available online.
• April 20, 2021: City of Guelph Notice of Complete Application & Public Meeting to Amend the Zoning By-Law.

Historically, the building at 65 Delhi Street has had a community purpose, having been used as a satellite facility for the hospital and later as recreational space. The City of Guelph has no future use planned for the site and has sold the property to the County of Wellington to use for Transitional Housing with Supports.

The City of Guelph's Zoning By-law acts as a legal tool under Ontario's Planning Act to regulate the use of land and future development in the City. The Planning Act allows the City of Guelph, through zoning, to determine exactly what land uses are permitted and provides detailed requirements that permitted land uses must follow. The City of Guelph's Zoning By-law complements the City’s official plan and is needed to help implement the official plans goal, objectives and policies. 

When a proposed development does not align with the existing Zoning By-law, a Zoning By-law amendment, also known as a rezoning, is required.

Zoning does: permit specific land uses on a property and includes specific regulations that development on the site must adhere to (e.g., limitations on height of new buildings).

Zoning does not: regulate who can live in a building or residence; whether the building is owner-occupied or a rental property or, how the building is operated.

See the City of Guelph "Participate in city planning" webpage for more information.

An application to amend the zoning by-law was submitted to the City of Guelph by MacNaughton Hermsen Britton Clarkson Planning Limited (MHBC Planning) on behalf of the County of Wellington in April 2021.

The application and supporting material demonstrates that the proposal conforms with the City of Guelph Official Plan Policies and is consistent with relevant provincial legislation. For additional details, please refer to the April 2021 Planning and Justification Report. 

Under the Planning Act, the process to amend a zoning by-law requires that at least one public meeting is held and that the public be notified of the proposed changes. A virtual public meeting was held on May 10, 2021 with the purpose of sharing information about the proposal and to consider public comments regarding the development application which can be reviewed by staff and applicants. 

City of Guelph Council will make a decision on the zoning by-law amendment at a future Council meeting. 

he updates are organized by planning comments raised at the May 10, 2021 City of Guelph Council Meeting. 

• Multiple uses for 65 Delhi Street that were proposed in the application  (i.e., emergency shelter and transitional housing and child care).

The requested daycare use will be removed from the Zoning By-law Amendment application. The intent is to use the property at 65 Delhi only for transitional housing with supports.

• Status and function of the greenspace located on the property. The greenspace refers to the area in front of the building and adjacent to backyards of some residents who live on Delhi Street.

The proposal does not include plans to alter the greenspace to the south of the building. The intent is that this space can be used by the patrons of the housing project.

As part of the re-zoning application, planners could include a provision in the zoning to ensure this area is maintained as open space.

We are committed to working with neighbourhood residents and project partners to address questions and concerns about the greenspace.

• Status of parkland adjacent to the property. The parkland refers to the area behind (north) of the building and parking lot. The parkland area is adjacent to backyards of some residents who live on Glenhill Place.

The parkland area is owned by the City of Guelph. There are no plans to change the parkland area as part of the by-law amendment application.

• Status of the existing parking.

The existing 41 parking spaces will be maintained. The existing parking agreements with the hospital will also be maintained. It is anticipated that there will be more than sufficient parking for the proposed use.

The proposed transitional housing with supports would include use of existing parking for a minimum of 3 staff on site at any given time. Additional staff and support workers providing care and support services visiting the site during the day would also use existing parking. It is not expected that a large number of residents would require use of parking facilities.

We are involved with this project as part of our responsibility as Service System Manager to plan and manage provincially mandated social and government funded affordable housing programmes, as well as initiatives to prevent and address homelessness.

The transitional housing with supports project is funded through a combination of municipal, provincial and federal sources which will cover renovation and ongoing operational costs. These funds are managed by the County of Wellington in their role as Service System Manager for Housing Services in Wellington-Guelph.

The transitional housing with supports project at 65 Delhi Street is designed to provide individuals experiencing homelessness with a temporary accommodation solution that bridges the gap between emergency shelter and permanent housing. Residents will have access to the necessary supports and services they require to move from homelessness to housing stability.

The County of Wellington Housing Services and project partners is responsible for the day to day operations of the transitional housing with supports project.

The County of Wellington is responsible for ground maintenance and garbage pick-up as part of our responsibilities for day to day operations of the project.

The County of Wellington has a smoke-free buildings policy for all buildings that was implemented in 2018, which will apply to 65 Delhi.

A designated outdoor smoking area will be included in the design and located appropriately to meet legislative requirements and, with the privacy and well-being of residents, staff and neighbours in mind.

The maximum number of residents is 28 individuals. 

In keeping with best practice, 65 Delhi Street meets criteria as a good location for Transitional Housing with Supports because it is easily accessible by public transit, in close proximity to community-based services and neighbourhood amenities (e.g., grocery stores) as well as employment opportunities. 

The project will be staffed 24/7 with a minimum of 3 staff on site at any given time. Additional staff providing care and support services will visit the site during the day.

The in-house supports and services provided to residents is based on needs of residents and determined through preliminary and ongoing planning processes.

Residents are expected to sign a participation agreement indicating that they are open to working with staff towards a long term housing plan and are open to using supports and services that are available to them.

The Wellington-Guelph Housing Continuum illustrates the spectrum of housing options along with local housing programmes across this spectrum. In brief and following along the continuum, our housing programmes include: homelessness prevention strategies such as shelter diversion and emergency housing; rapid rehousing programme (transitional housing) and scattered site supports (supportive housing) programmes as well as rent-geared-to-income units (community housing); capital grants, loans and rent subsidies (affordable housing) and finally, homeownership grants and loans. 

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The Transitional Housing with Supports Project at 65 Delhi Street in Guelph occupies an important place in the Wellington-Guelph Housing Continuum as the only dedicated transitional housing with supports facility for adults 25+ years of age.

Built for Zero (BFZ)

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We are the lead for the Wellington-Guelph Built for Zero-Canada (BFZ-C) Campaign, a national movement to end chronic homelessness and has received national recognition for system change work in the homelessness sector. 

Since joining the 20,000 Homes Campaign in 2016, we have achieved a quality By-Name Data, launched a Coordinated Entry System (CES), and at the end of 2020 we have continued a downward trend in our chronic homeless numbers. Building on this success, we will continue to develop and implement data-driven approaches that focus on optimizing the local homeless system to end chronic homelessness in Wellington-Guelph. Learn more about Built For Zero Canada - Getting to Zero 

The Housing Stability System includes a continuum of services and supports: 

• Services and supports to prevent homelessness (e.g., outreach, diversion and housing stability workers, assistance with utilities and rental arrears)
• A range of housing options (emergency shelters; transitional housing with supports; permanent supportive housing; rent-geared-to-income and affordable housing) as well as
• Co-ordinated access to housing supports as well as the health and human services required to respond to complex needs of individuals experiencing homelessness. 

The transitional housing with supports at 65 Delhi Street aligns with multiple objectives from A PLACE TO CALL HOME: A 10-year Housing and Homelessness Plan for Wellington-Guelph

In accordance with the Housing Services Act 2011, the County of Wellington is responsible for developing, implementing and reporting on a 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan (HHP). Service Managers are required to:

• develop HHPs in consultation with community and community partners.
• ensure that HHP objectives and priorities align with matters of provincial interest as defined in the Housing Services Act (2011) and with 2016 Provincial Policy Statement Directions.
• take actions and carry out measures to meet objectives and targets related to local housing needs. 

The first HHP for Wellington-Guelph was developed in 2015 and then updated in 2019.

A PLACE TO CALL HOME: A 10-year Housing and Homelessness Plan for Wellington-Guelph combines local data with input from the community to set objectives and priorities for housing and homelessness services that address local needs in Wellington-Guelph. The analysis shows that there is not enough affordable housing in Guelph-Wellington; and we know that there are individuals from all walks of life who are or have experienced homelessness in our community. 

The updated HHP identifies 8 objectives that guide County of Wellington Housing Services work.

OBJECTIVE 1: To help low-income households close the gap between their incomes and housing expenses.

OBJECTIVE 2: To provide a range of housing stability supports to assist with housing retention and homelessness prevention.

OBJECTIVE 3: To offer a comprehensive range of supportive housing options for residents with complex needs due to aging, disabilities, mental health issues and addictions.

OBJECTIVE 4: To increase the supply and mix of affordable housing options for low- to moderate income households.

OBJECTIVE 5: To end chronic homelessness.

OBJECTIVE 6: To promote client-centred, coordinated access to the housing and homelessness system. 

OBJECTIVE 7: To support the sustainability of the existing social and affordable housing stock.

OBJECTIVE 8: To foster access to culturally appropriate housing and homelessness services for Indigenous peoples.

The County prepares Annual Reports to share with the province and our community.