John Tory agrees to open Moss Park armoury as new winter respite centre

Tory had been severely criticised for his previous refusals to open the armouries in the wake of shortage of shelter for the homeless due to the severe winter conditions.

With Toronto's shelters 94 percent full due to the frigid temperatures, finding a space had become a stressful concern when a pair of strangers united to shelter nearly 20 of Toronto's homeless in hotels.

Earlier Tory had been critical of advocates that have called into question his leadership on the issue.

"Why is it when it comes to opening the armouries are these one or two people to be taken as having the gospel," he asked, taking exception to the implication that "if I don't do exactly as they say… that somehow that this means that I'm not doing my job."

Armouries as homeless shelters? 'Angry' Tory says no way.

But this morning Tory apologized to reporters that the city will do better.

Toronto which currently operates six winter respite centres, is in need of more more space, Tory said at a morning news conference.

He added that he will speak to Canada’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Ralph Goodale to consider the appropriateness of Moss Park armoury site for a seventh centre to accommodate the increasing number of homeless people.

The armoury would provide up to 100 new spaces.

In addition to the Moss Park armoury, Tory reportedly announced this morning that there would be an increase in city-owned Better Living Centre from 110 daily spaces to 150 spaces and the implementation of 200 other new spaces across the city.

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)