A new facility designed to provide shelter and essential services to hundreds of refugees and asylum seekers will officially open its doors this weekend, more than a year after it was first announced.
The Peel Reception Centre, located in a converted office building near Dixie Road and Eglinton Avenue in Mississauga, will offer temporary housing and support to 680 individuals. The facility is strategically located near Pearson International Airport, making it accessible for newcomers arriving in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
The federal government pledged $7 million in funding for the centre in November 2023, following the tragic death of an asylum seeker outside a former Peel Region shelter. The incident highlighted the urgent need for additional resources to accommodate the growing number of refugees and asylum seekers in the region.
The 73,000-square-foot facility, which partially opened in October 2023, has already sheltered up to 88 asylum seekers. Now fully operational, it will provide:
- Dormitory-style beds for 680 individuals.
- Essential amenities, including cafeterias, lockers, luggage storage, laundry services, showers, prayer rooms, and common spaces.
- On-site services such as immigration case management, employment support, housing assistance, and access to income support programs like Ontario Works.
The centre is a collaborative effort between Peel Region, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and other partners, including Service Canada, WGC Employment Agencies, Legal Aid Ontario, and Public Health Services.
“This is the largest facility of its kind in Canada and was made possible through terrific collaboration at the municipal and federal levels,” said Aileen Baird, Director of Housing Services for Peel Region. “It serves asylum claimants in a coordinated, dignified way.”
The opening of the Peel Reception Centre comes as municipalities across Ontario struggle to accommodate asylum seekers in overcapacity shelters. According to a recent report by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the number of chronically homeless asylum seekers and refugees in the province increased by 8,718 between 2021 and 2024.
The Peel Reception Centre is seen as a pilot project that could serve as a model for other jurisdictions. By providing tailored supports and services, the facility aims to help asylum seekers transition to housing independence while addressing labour market needs and fostering community integration.
“These models are much less costly to Canadians over the long term and enable better outcomes for claimants and communities,” IRCC said in a statement.
As the centre officially opens its doors on Saturday, it represents a significant step forward in addressing the challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers in the GTA. By offering a safe and supportive environment, the Peel Reception Centre aims to provide newcomers with the resources they need to rebuild their lives in Canada.