Breaking Ground for Future Indigenous Women & Children Shelter

This past week, I marked my birthday in a deeply meaningful way, attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the future shelter that will be operated by the Native Women’s Resource Centre Toronto at 68 Sheppard Avenue West. The shelter will provide support and refuge for Indigenous women and children in need.

The ceremony included ceremonial singing and smudging, creating a powerful and reflective moment for all who attended. It was not only a blessing for the construction of the building itself, but also a prayer for the women and children who will one day walk through its doors, that they may find healing, safety, dignity, and hope within its walls. I know this project has prompted questions, fears, and concerns from some members of the community. I want residents to know that I hear and understand those feelings. At the same time, I also believe we are being called to respond with compassion and humanity to women and children who are often facing unimaginable hardship.

I invite those who pray, in whatever tradition you may hold, to join me in hoping for a positive path forward, one that supports vulnerable women and children while also ensuring a safe, well-managed, and respectful integration into the neighbourhood. You have my commitment that I will continue working closely with the operator and community partners to advocate for the best possible outcome for everyone.

Over the past year, there has also been considerable consultation with Indigenous communities on the design of the building, which is now nearing completion. I recently had the opportunity to view some of the renderings, and I believe this project will bring something truly thoughtful and beautiful to our neighbourhood. While the final designs are still being finalized and cannot yet be publicly shared, I am confident the community will appreciate the care, meaning, and beauty reflected in this new space.

The City has retained a new third party consultant to facilitate and support community engagement for 68 Sheppard Ave. The lead Community Engagement Facilitator will be Mike Bugeja from Optimus SBR. Mike will work with City staff, Native Women's Resource Centre of Toronto, the Councillor’s office, and community stakeholders to help facilitate dialogue, share project updates, and ensure community feedback is heard throughout the planning process.

If you are part of the local community or a network/organization wanting to learn more, Mike Bugeja can be contacted at 68Sheppard@toronto.ca or 416.619.2082. Please reach out with any questions or comments, or to request meetings or discussion by phone, virtually, or in person. Also, Click Here to find out about future updates on the project.