Warming room opens at county headquarters

Northumberland County Administration Building. Courtesy of Northumberland County.

By Cecilia Nasmith

Northumberland County will open the doors to an overnight warming room at county headquarters – 555 Courthouse Rd., Cobourg – starting Thursday, Nov. 27, at 8 p.m.

Planned as a safe, warm respite space for individuals experiencing homelessness during the winter months, it will operate out of Committee Room A on the second floor, open nightly from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. until March 31.

Accessible from the rear door of the building at the upper parking lot entrance, it will offer warmth, washrooms and light refreshments.

County council approved plans to establish this service in late October in response to the ongoing need for additional overnight shelter capacity, especially as the county's shelter at 310 Division St. Frequently operates at near-capacity.

Associate Director of Housing and Homelessness Rebecca Carman said this high demand for shelter and respite services is seen each winter.

“Staff have worked diligently to bring this temporary space forward,” Carman said in the announcement.

'We appreciate the engagement of Town of Cobourg staff throughout this process to provide a license under the ECE Bylaw. This warming room will help ensure that more residents have a safe place to rest during the coldest nights of the year.”

Warden Brian Ostrander added that this service “reflects the county's commitment to safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable residents.

“As winter approaches, ensuring access to a safe, reliable overnight space is an essential step in meeting the urgent needs we continue to see in our community.”

The announcement also stated the county's commitment to working closely with neighbours, partners and the broader community to support the successful operation of the warming room.

For security concerns, or to report activity of concern near the warming room, call 1-877-770-2564.

For general questions about homelessness services, e-mail smithb@northumberland.ca

For information about emergency shelter availability at 310 Division St., visit the shelter or contact it directly at 905-376-9562.

For information about Town of Cobourg bylaws, visit the town website at Cobourg.ca/ourgovernment/bylaws/ or call the Legislative Services Department at 905-372-4301.