“Now to be able to know that it’s open every night that’ll be comfort to the homeless and I think it’s comfort to everybody to know that it’s open. You don’t have to worry about the temperature.”
Thompson added, “That’s good news because for so many years we’ve thought at what temperature should they be open, and what temperature they wouldn’t be open.”
Quinte West Councillor Sharpe expressed appreciation. “We are very thankful for the 106 days and that it is not just based on temperature – it will be open. I think that is very important for continuity and to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals.”
Quinte West Councillor Terry Cassidy agreed.
“That people can get to a place that is safer and warm at any time during that winter period I think is a really great humanitarian thing that we’ve done. It’s no longer trying to measure people’s suffering in the cold by the degree on the thermometer.”
There were 2930 visits in Belleville’s centre, 352 in Bancroft and 284 in Quinte West last winter.
The staff report indicates that as the investment review is being finalized and, in an effort to ensure planning continues, this recommendation for funding was being made in advance of the final report.
