Council approves temporary lease extension for Lionhearts laundry program after Adelaide Street Shelter closure

By Christena Lawrie, CFRC's Broadcast Journalist and Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.

Council has approved a short-term lease extension allowing Lionhearts Inc. to continue operating its vocational laundry program at the former Adelaide Street Shelter site, even as the shelter itself closes Mar. 31.

The program employs 8 people and provides laundry services to local shelters and care providers, with plans to relocate to the new integrated transitional housing site at 309 Queen Mary Road. However, ongoing construction delays mean the new facility is not yet ready.

Lionhearts requested the extension to avoid disrupting the employment program and its services. 

Council ultimately voted 10-3 in favour of an extension, citing the program’s role in supporting employment and essential services for vulnerable residents while the transition to the new location is completed.

The decision comes amid community pushback, including a petition signed by 88 nearby residents opposing any continued use of the space by Lionhearts following the shelter’s closure.

Listen to the full story here.