The mid-December date for opening the “In From the Cold” shelters this coming winter was questioned during a meeting of a Hastings County committee on Wednesday.
The committee is asking the County to open the shelters in Belleville and Quinte West on December 15.
Belleville Councillor Garnet Thompson asked if that would be moved forward depending on the weather.
“What if there’s an emergency situation where we have a big cold snap? How does that work?
Director of Community Services Connor Dorey answered, “It’s something that we work with through the municipalities. The availability of the buildings. But we also have contracts with the service provider and security agencies. Getting an understanding of their availability. But it’s one where we look at historical trends, the weather data. We feel comfortable with the mid-December date. That then allows us to go for that mid-to-end of March date.”
He added,”It’s finding that sweet spot, which is not easy by any means. I would encourage that we stick to it based on the data.”
Dorey says that the county works with the municipalities and service providers regarding such things as the availability of the buildings involved.
