Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens unveiled a vision on Wednesday for a pod-style housing village inside the former Windsor Arena, aiming to address homelessness and addiction in the city's core. The proposed 'Village at the Barn' would transform the long-vacant downtown arena into a secure indoor village featuring 102 private, lockable dwellings. These units are designed to support individuals facing homelessness, addiction, poverty, and mental health challenges.
Integrated Support Services
The site would operate alongside the adjacent Homelessness and Housing Help Hub (H4), creating a 24-hour campus offering shelter beds, housing supports, and wraparound services. Concept renderings displayed during Wednesday morning's announcement, attended by over 50 community leaders, showed rows of individual housing pods inside the arena. The design includes communal gathering areas, an activity room, restrooms and shower facilities, a clinical intake and examination area, casework and counseling rooms, and laundry facilities. Outdoor green space would be shared with the neighboring H4.
Prioritizing High-Need Individuals
Dilkens stated that access to the pod-style units would be prioritized for individuals with the highest level of need. Residents would be expected to contribute toward room and board costs through available income supports, including Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program. At the nearby H4 facility, renovations are currently underway to fill in the building's former pool and upgrade HVAC and restroom facilities. Once completed, the site is expected to provide capacity for up to 150 beds, along with dedicated dining and programming space.
Next Steps and Funding
Dilkens emphasized that the village remains a concept for now, with the final cost yet to be determined. He hopes to present a report to senior levels of government in June to secure funding. Concept plans for the Village at the Barn were prepared by Windsor-based architectural firm Architecttura.
