FAQs
What is transitional housing?
Transitional housing provides a stable, safe place to live for people who are rebuilding their lives after experiencing homelessness.
It is not a shelter, or temporary unit. It is housing designed to house people needing support and space for several months or longer, depending on their needs.
This model helps people move forward with stability, dignity, and access to the supports they need.
While at this time, no specific support agency will be based on-site, residents will continue to be supported by District staff and connected to services in the community based on their individual needs.
Why Gravenhurst?
Gravenhurst has been identified as having the greatest need for transitional housing in Muskoka based on local data.
In 2025, over 40% of all emergency shelter nights in Muskoka were provided in Gravenhurst, the majority in motels along Highway 11, far from supports and services.
This build offers a safer, more connected housing option in the heart of the community, closer to transit, employment, health care and essential services.
Who will live here?
Residents will be selected from Muskoka’s By-Name List, a confidential, real-time list of individuals experiencing homelessness, managed by the District and local community partners.
Transitional housing is prioritized for individuals who are ready to take the next step toward stable housing, based on their circumstances, goals, and ability to succeed in a more independent living environment. This person-centred approach matches people to housing based on readiness and fit, helping ensure the right supports are in place and setting residents up for success as part of a supportive and inclusive community.
Transitional housing is a place for those experiencing homelessness to better prepare themselves for permanent housing options. Individuals residing in transitional housing must actively participate in addressing their barriers to permanent housing through their stay and abide by the rules, which are focused on fostering a safe, respectful, and supportive environment.
How will tenants be selected?
Residents will be selected from Muskoka’s By-Name List, a confidential, real-time list of individuals experiencing homelessness that is managed by the District and community partners. Transitional housing is prioritized for individuals who are ready to take the next step toward stable housing, based on their circumstances, goals, and ability to succeed in a more independent living environment. This person-centred approach matches people to housing based on readiness and fit, helping ensure the right supports are in place. Residents must also actively participate in addressing their barriers to permanent housing and commit to the rules of a safe, respectful, and supportive community.
Will there be supports provided on site?
District staff and partner agencies will provide supports to residents, but this is not a staffed shelter or 24-hour facility. Supports will be provided both on-site and off-site and will focus on helping people stabilize, create sustainable connections to health and social services, and prepare for permanent housing. The design of the building also promotes independence, with self-contained studio units in a small-scale, residential setting.
Why build transitional housing instead of expanding motels or shelters?
Transitional housing provides a safer, more stable environment than motels or emergency shelters. It gives people the time and support they need to rebuild their lives and prepare for permanent housing. In 2025, over 40% of Muskoka’s emergency shelter nights were in Gravenhurst, mostly in motels. This new development creates a connected option in the heart of the community, close to health care, transit and supports.
How does this project fit the bigger picture?
This is the second capital build under the District’s Big Move on Housing, a District Investment Plan of $30 million over eight years to accelerate housing solutions across Muskoka.
The build directly supports the Big Move’s “Deepest Need” stream by creating housing options for those experiencing homelessness, addressing one of Muskoka’s most urgent and growing challenges.
It directly advances the goals of the District’s 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan, which focuses on reducing homelessness, improving housing stability, and increasing access to supports for individuals and families in need.
This development reflects Muskoka District Council’s strategic commitment to Housing for Everyone by contributing to safe, attainable, and sustainable housing options that strengthen community well-being.