"The current COVID-19 pandemic has quickly amplified the pre-existing challenges within Toronto's housing and homeless systems."

Toronto officials are urging the province to come up with a coordinated plan for shelters during the coronavirus pandemic, after two recent incidents involving regional hospitals and people experiencing homelessness.

The funding is to be used toward temporary housing amid capacity issues at Toronto's shelters and respite centres.

After a second woman died on Toronto streets in a week, homeless advocates are calling on the City of Toronto to increase funding for shelter beds.

The 40-year-old said he’s been homeless on and off for the past 25 years and each year he battles the cold weather in the city.

Papineau died Tuesday morning when she became trapped inside the clothing donation bin located behind a building near Bloor Street West and Dovercourt Road.

Mayor John Tory said there still is a lack of direction and leadership from the federal government when it comes to housing new arrivals.

Officials say the new shelters will be placed in strategic locations across the city including west and east of the downtown core.

At a news conference Friday, John Tory said an average of 10 migrants and refugees enter the city every day. 

Ontario Housing Minister Peter Milczyn says provincial staff have identified the former York Detention Centre as the best, and only, provincial location that meets the city's needs.