Work continues to advance the Micro-Modular Shelter project at the intersection of Max Brose Drive and Cheese Factory Road, with several milestones completed as the project moves toward welcoming residents in early 2026.

Procurement and Construction Progress

The City has completed several procurement milestones needed to advance the project:

• Shelter units: Following a competitive procurement process, the City awarded a contract to Fero International Inc. for the supply of 60 micro-modular units. Each unit includes interior and exterior lighting, heating and air conditioning, outlets for charging devices, and is designed to applicable electrical and structural codes.
• Site preparation: Plans for grading, servicing, lighting, and electrical work are complete. Construction to install a new sanitary private drain connection and water service is expected to begin in early December. The site layout has been expanded slightly to create smaller community areas within the site. While this results in higher capital costs, it will help service providers support residents more effectively and create a more positive environment for participants.
• Additional infrastructure: Work is underway to secure key components like fencing, security cameras, lighting, electrical and plumbing connections, furnishings, and internet services. Wherever possible, City staff are using existing contracts to support cost-effective and timely implementation.

Operator Selection

The City of London has selected Xpera as the Micro-Modular Shelter site operator following the recent call for applications. Xpera is one of Canada’s largest emergency and risk-mitigation firms, with extensive experience in emergency relocation and accommodation services, temporary housing sites in remote areas, risk assessments and safety planning, and supporting communities during large-scale emergency responses.

Their background includes recent deployments with Emergency Management Ontario, where they supported more than 5,000 evacuees with 24/7 administration, logistics, security, and resident supports. Xpera has also supported wildfire evacuations, Red Cross isolation sites, asylum-seeker accommodation centres, and other emergency housing settings, including supporting nearly 400 evacuees in London in August of 2021.

At the Micro-Modular Shelter site, Xpera will be responsible for day-to-day operations, including supervision and safety protocols. Staff are trained in trauma-informed practice, de-escalation, cultural awareness training, first aid/CPR, and crisis response. Xpera will work with the City of London and community partners to support site operations, safety, and service delivery.

Transit and Accessibility

City staff met with the London Transit Commission (LTC) to review Route 30 service along Cheesecake Factory Road, next to the micro-modular shelter site. Route 30 runs Monday to Friday, 6:30 to 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 to 11:30 p.m. Any increase in service would require more resources and could not happen before September 2026. The nearest bus stop is about 180 metres from the site entrance. A new stop could be added but would require a concrete pad. Since the current stop meets distance guidelines, involved added costs, and construction isn’t feasible in winter, this option will be revisited in spring 2026.

Permitting and Approvals

The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) reviewed the initial submission and expressed support for the project. As expected, MTO requested a drainage plan and a lighting plan, both of which have now been completed and submitted. A permit is also required for the water and sewer connections on site, and a building permit application has been submitted. City staff do not anticipate any delays to the project schedule due to permitting.

Next Steps

The contract to supply the micro-modular shelters has been awarded, and remaining procurements are being finalized. The site is on track to receive the shelters in December and to welcome the first group of residents in January 2026.