Northumberland County council has passed a motion to immediately extend hours at the Warming Room in Cobourg, approve additional funding to support the expansion, and direct staff to investigate a potential longer term location at 700 D’Arcy Street.
The decision came during a special council meeting focused on winter homelessness supports.
Under the approved motion, the Warming Room at 555 Courthouse Road will now operate from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. Monday to Friday, with continuous weekend access from Friday afternoon through Monday morning. The expanded schedule will remain in place through March 31, 2026.
Council also approved an additional $20,000 to support the extended hours, with funding to come first from year end savings within homelessness and housing budgets, with reserve funding available if required.
During debate, Cobourg Mayor and Northumberland County councillor Lucas Cleveland proposed exploring a longer term solution at another municipal property.
Resident Jeannie de Vries also addressed council about the impact of limited sheltering hours.
Council voted to direct staff to investigate converting Building 18 North at 700 D’Arcy Street into a 24 hour cooling and warming room for future use and report back at a future meeting. The expanded hours take effect immediately.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
