County issues call for warming-room space – outside of Cobourg
Homeless in the winter. By Jake Leonard. Free Use Domain. Upsplash
By: Cecilia Nasmith, Northumberland 89.7 FM News
Northumberland County
With its own warming/cooling hub space at 310 Division St. in Cobourg shut down, Northumberland County is inviting local property owners to reach out about potential space that might be rented for this purpose between October 2025 and April 2026 – outside the Town of Cobourg, as per the motion passed by county council at its June meeting.
This would be an overnight service for individuals experiencing homelessness, to provide respite from the fall and winter weather, with access to seating, washrooms and light refreshments.
“As staff continue their search for available facilities in the community that may be suitable for this purpose, we are also extending the ask to the broader community,” Director of Health and Human Services Glenn Dees said in the announcement.
“This call-out to local property owners is about leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to ensure that vulnerable individual in our community have a safe place to go during cold nights this winter.”
Minimum requirements include:
Access to the facility for an overnight period of approximately 12 hours, seven nights a week from Oct. 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026
Capacity to accommodate 30 individuals (clients and staff)
Access to washroom facilities
Heating
Preferably, access to an internet connection to support service delivery
Located outside the Town of Cobourg
All spaces proposed will be reviewed by county staff for appropriateness and feasibility, with a final location subject to approval by county council.
Interested property owners are asked to contact the Community and Social Services Department at WarmingRoomSpace@Northumberland.ca or contact Homelessness Services Manager Bill Smith at 905-372-3329 ext. 2314 by Aug. 22 – to express interest or request additional information.
