New Guelph drop-in space opening date delayed to March
Posted Jan 20, 2026 05:00:00 AM.
Last Updated Jan 20, 2026 10:53:12 AM.
Following some unexpected delays, the new Guelph daytime drop-in centre has a new opening date.
Stepping Stone announced earlier this month on social media that its drop-in centre at 23 Gordon St. ran into some construction delays and would not be able to open its doors on time. The centre was set to open on Jan. 12.
“As a result, we could not meet the city’s timeline required by the request-for-proposal (RFP) for service delivery,” said the statement.
“We have been in close communication with Royal City Mission and City staff following the December budget approval in the hopes of finding a bridge solution. Ultimately, those efforts were unsuccessful, and we cannot finalize the agreement.”
In December, the City of Guelph announced a two-year tentative agreement with Stepping Stone and Royal City Mission for the new drop-in centre.
Following the announcement, Guelph council convened a special meeting on Jan. 13 to come up with a solution. During that closed-door meeting, members of council agreed to allow a one-time grant of $120,000 for non-profit organizations, like Stepping Stone, to apply to help provide services, including food, between Jan. 19 and Mar. 1.
“We’ve heard from our community that there is an urgent need for meals and other essential services to support residents facing financial hardship. Yet we know people need more than a space — they need skilled support that can help address complex needs,” said City of Guelph mayor Cam Guthrie in a press release.
The grant, called the Emergency Community Grant for Daytime Space and Food Security, became available on Jan. 16.
New details from the city said applicants can apply for $15,000 to help with services. Those looking for more than $15,000 will be contacted by a member of the Community and Affordable Housing team.
Applicants must meet certain requirements and the city will take details into consideration, including if they have done similar work in Guelph, having a clear budget and need funding, as well as “experience in supporting equity-deserving communities, including unsheltered individuals.”
