It looks like some provincial funding is coming to support winter-time warming centres in Belleville, Quinte West and Bancroft.
At its meeting Wednesday, Hastings County Community and Human Services Committee decided to recommend that county council approve the centres.
The province is providing $100,000 for the centres.
The committee learned that Belleville has indicated the former police station on Dundas Street, which was used as a centre last season, will be available again this winter to be used as a centre.
In Quinte West, the Trenton United Church is being proposed as a location.
No firm decision has yet been made in Bancroft.
The staff report outlined the progress being made regarding plans for the centres:
At this time, interest has been received from the City of Belleville, and the City of Quinte West, and the Town of Bancroft to work with member municipalities and community partners to establish operations for the coming winter season. Last year, a warming centre was operated in the former Belleville Police Station located on Dundas Street East in Belleville. The center was operated jointly by The City of Belleville, The County of Hastings and Grace Inn Shelter. Staff have been advised by The City of Belleville that that location remains available for this winter.
Planning is underway for the implementation of the City of Belleville program based on evaluation of last year’s program and the potential of an expanded model that includes sleeping quarters (cots). Staff are reviewing the option for an Out of the Cold program vs a Warming Centre based on the 2021 Point-in-Time Count completed by Bridge Street United Church that indicates 28% of persons are completely unsheltered. The City of Belleville has been made aware that we are exploring this option.
In Quinte West, the Trenton United Church has been discussed as a proposed location. Quinte West Council recently agreed to support this Warming Centre pilot in Quinte West.
In Bancroft, a few community groups have begun discussions with county staff regarding community needs. Specifics on the location and resource
The issue of the Warming Centres goes to County Council later this month.
