Homelessness Surges in Thunder Bay as Costs Soar

According to the latest data, homelessness in Thunder Bay, Ontario has reached alarming levels, with 652 people experiencing homelessness as of October 2025. This marks a significant increase from previous years, with the city's Point-in-Time Count showing a steady rise in chronic homelessness.

The data reveals that 61% of those surveyed last year had been homeless for 18 months or more during the previous three years. Shelter operators say the reasons for this are multifaceted, with the rising cost of living, substance use issues, and mental health challenges all contributing to the crisis.

Brendan Carlin, the executive director of Shelter House, notes that the high cost of rent and low incomes remain the biggest barriers to housing. In last year's count, 67% of respondents cited high rents as a problem, while 62% pointed to low incomes. Substance use was also a factor for 39% of those surveyed.

The situation has become particularly dire as the winter months approach, with 177 people found staying outdoors in the latest count. Shelter operators are bracing for a challenging season, as they work to accommodate the growing number of individuals in need of their services.

The homelessness crisis in Thunder Bay mirrors a broader trend across northern Ontario, where the number of known cases has quadrupled since 2016. Experts warn that without significant investment in affordable and supportive housing, the situation could continue to deteriorate in the coming years.