City reiterates its financial commitment to Sleeping Cabin Program after Our Livable Solutions places project on hold

Yesterday, the City was disappointed to learn that the agreement between Our Livable Solutions (OLS) and its partners could not be successfully negotiated, and OLS chose to place the Sleeping Cabin program, also known as Crossroads Village, on hold.

While the City cannot speculate to the cause of the end of the agreement, we are committed to ensure people living in the sleeping cabins are supported during this stressful and uncertain time. Staff from Housing and Social Services and City-funded Housing First Workers continue to offer housing solutions to cabin residents in advance of the Sept. 30 Sleeping Cabin program winddown. The City is hopeful that residents accept the housing solutions that are offered, understanding that some may not accept offers due to personal choices.

We are also disheartened to hear misinformation circulated by OLS placing blame on the City for not financially supporting the cabin program. As a partner of the sleeping cabin project since 2022, we feel this is not in the spirit of collaboration. Clear Council direction, received on April 16, 2024, directed staff to wind down the sleeping cabin program, which was further confirmed by Council on July 9, 2024. The approved wind-down plan has the City stepping back from direct involvement and funding of the initiative, allowing OLS the opportunity to seek a location and other non-municipal funding sources to ensure the continued operation, and housing of the cabin residents.

Should OLS secure the necessary operating funds within the two-year period approved by Council, the City remains committed to selling the cabins to them for the agreed upon amount of $1 and providing the capital funding totaling $500,000 for their site preparation and capital development expenses related to a common amenities building, accessible sidewalks, and ramps .

Background information about the City’s investment in the program can be found at CityofKingston.ca by searching for "sleeping cabin".