Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC) has donated a used motor coach to provide temporary safe, overnight shelter for those who are homeless.
On Dec. 20, the Crown agency announced it had donated a used motor coach to Humanity First, a Vaughan-based humanitarian relief organization, for its Shelter Bus initiative.
The Shelter Bus is a motor coach repurposed into a climate-controlled mobile shelter with up to 20 beds, a kitchenette, lounge space and secure storage. Currently, one bus is operated in the Toronto area.
“We are proud to donate a motor coach to such a worthy cause,” Corina Moore, ONTC’s president and CEO, said in a news release.
“Even though the motor coach has reached the end of its life span for Ontario Northland’s passenger trips, there is still lots of life left in it. It made sense to pass it on to Humanity First Shelter Bus who will, in turn, retrofit the motor coach and provide a safe and warm place for those in need.”
It’s expected to cost roughly $100,000 to convert the motor coach to a mobile shelter, and Humanity First is undertaking a fundraising initiative to raise the funds needed.
Headquartered in North Bay, ONTC provides passenger and freight service across northeastern Ontario.
It additionally operates a 150,000-square-foot remanufacturing and repair shop, which specializes in upgrading electrical and mechanical systems, completing truck overhauls, and offering interior design and layout services.
