Northumberland County council
Northumberland County council has landed on a proposed site for this winter’s warming centre and it’s right inside county headquarters.
Following an urgent special meeting Tuesday, Oct. 28, councillors voted to pursue opening the 2025-26 winter warming centre inside council chambers at 555 Courthouse Road in Cobourg. The location is being proposed as a stopgap solution while long-term options continue to be explored.
Warden Brian Ostrander said staff reviewed multiple properties before suggesting that the council space would work in the short term.
The proposed hub would operate overnight only – from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. – following a model used by Durham Region, and would remain open from November 15 to March 31.
Councillor Lucas Cleveland supported the limited hours and the idea that the warming hub should remain under county management.
The motion passed on Tuesday also includes a request to Cobourg council to consider a blanket emergency care establishment (ECE) licence exemption or for the town to permit a third licence and consideration of an application for the site for the 2025-26 season.
While council approved the motion, questions remain about staffing, licensing, and opening timelines. Councillor Mandy Martin said flexibility will be key.
Council also directed staff to explore long-term solutions, including possible future use of the old Golden Plough Lodge site, pending ministry approval and risk assessment.
The additional sites that were being proposed included 600 William St. in Cobourg (which is also county property), the Ontario Agri-Food Venture Centre in Colborne, and Fenella Hall in Roseneath.
(Written by Joseph Goden with files from Sarah Hyatt)
