Item - 2026.IA43.1

Councillor Lily Cheng, Ward 18, Willowdale, has submitted the following Administrative Inquiry:

I am submitting this Administrative Inquiry under Municipal Code S27-7.11 to clarify several key matters to ensure residents are provided with accurate and factual information as the City advances the development of the new Indigenous Women and Children’s Shelter at 68 Sheppard Avenue West.

As the City of Toronto advances the development for the new Indigenous Women and Children’s Shelter at 68 Sheppard Avenue West, significant public discussion has emerged within the surrounding community. While many residents support the provision of critical services for vulnerable women and children, there has also been a considerable amount of misinformation and speculation circulating about the project, both from within the community and from individuals outside of it.

To ensure residents are provided with accurate and factual information, and to assist in responding to constituent inquiries, clarification from City staff on several key matters would be beneficial. Providing clear responses will help set the record straight, improve public understanding of the project, and support constructive and informed dialogue within the community.

Accordingly, I am requesting that the General Manager, Toronto Shelter and Support Services, the Chief Executive Officer of CreateTO, the President of Toronto Parking Authority and the Executive Director of Corporate Real Estate Management provide published clarification of several key matters related to the planned Willowdale Indigenous Women and Children’s Shelter at 68 Sheppard Avenue West:

1. How was 68 Sheppard Avenue West chosen as a site for a shelter?

2. What kind of parking data was used to warrant the surplusing of that lot?

3. Will the Indigenous Women and Children's Shelter include a supervised consumption site or operate a public distribution program for drug paraphernalia?