Additional shelter beds approved amid emotional debate at City Hall

By News Staff

With the colder weather moving in, Toronto City Council approved a proposal Wednesday to open 400 more shelter beds as soon as possible.

The motion, which was approved 39-3, was originally brought forward by Mayor John Tory and called for spaces to be made available in existing shelters and even hotels if necessary.

Toronto’s shelter system was filled to 95 per cent capacity on Tuesday night with less than 300 beds available.

Things got emotional at one point with several councillors putting forth a motion that would have seen the city petition the federal government to open the Fort York and Moss Park armouries.

However, that motion was ultimately defeated 25-19.

The move to open 400 beds this winter will cost about $10-million with the money coming from the city’s reserve fund.

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