The City of Toronto is expanding capacity at the winter respite centre opened just before Christmas at the Better Living Centre on the grounds of the CNE.

Mayor John Tory’s announced 40 beds are being added for a total of 150 to accommodate an increase in demand on the system of 30% over the same time last year.

In addition the new 60-bed Salvation Army Hope shelter is expected to open in the next 10 days as part of  291 permanent shelter beds to be opened this year.

As well, the city will ask the federal government about the availability of Moss Park armoury as a round-the-clock respite centre for up to 100 beds until April 15th.

At its December meeting, City Council directed staff to provide 400 more spaces as soon as possible.

Half of them are now open and the remaining ones will be in the coming weeks.