Durham Region has announced plans to establish a new facility to support newcomers, selecting a site in Pickering to accommodate arriving asylum seekers. The project will see a former hotel at 533 Kingston Road converted into a temporary housing and support centre as part of the region’s humanitarian efforts.
The new facility, known as the Durham Reception Centre, will provide short-term accommodation and essential services for asylum claimants entering the region. The initiative is being supported through funding from the federal government under the Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP), which helps municipalities respond to increased demand for temporary housing.
While the exact funding amount and long-term operating costs have not been disclosed, officials confirmed that the federal contribution has enabled Durham Region to purchase the 2.84-acre property and support part of its future operations. The centre is intended to act as a transitional space where individuals and families can stay temporarily while they begin the process of settling into the community.
The Durham Reception Centre will be operated by the Community Development Council Durham (CDCD), in collaboration with local community organizations. These partners will provide a range of services, including settlement support, guidance on accessing housing, and assistance navigating local systems such as healthcare, employment, and education.
This initiative builds on the existing Durham Humanitarian Response Program (DHRP), which has been coordinating temporary accommodations and settlement services in the region since 2023. The creation of a dedicated reception centre is expected to strengthen these efforts by offering a centralized and structured approach to supporting asylum seekers.
Officials say the goal of the Durham selects site to host arriving asylum seekers plan is to ensure that newcomers are supported in a safe, organized, and dignified manner. By providing immediate housing and access to services, the centre will help individuals transition more smoothly into long-term, independent living within Durham Region.
The Pickering location was selected for its accessibility and suitability for conversion into a supportive housing environment. The project reflects a growing need for municipalities to respond to increased migration and housing pressures, while also balancing local resources and community needs.
Durham Region continues to emphasize that the Durham selects site to host arriving asylum seekers initiative is part of a broader commitment to humanitarian support and community integration. As the centre becomes operational, it is expected to play a key role in helping newcomers build stable lives in the region.
