A Belleville councillor has called on Hastings Prince Edward Public Health to “pressure” Belleville to lower the temperature required to trigger opening the warming centre this winter.
At the Board of Health meeting on Wednesday,Councillor Sean Kelly, who is a member of the board, called Belleville’s decision to set the outside temperature level for opening the shelters at -15C, as “cruel and unkind”.
Kelly put forward a motion to have the board ask Belleville to relook at that temperature requirement.
Board Chair Jo-Anne Albert said it is a problem in Bancroft where temperatures might go to -32C.
Another Belleville councillor, also a board member, Bill Sandison, said he didn’t think the motion was appropriate “to tell Belleville city council how to operate.”
After a discussion on how to word the motion, it was agreed to turn the issue over to Medical Officer of Health Dr. Peter Oglaza.
Oglaza tells Quinte News he will research the matter.
“You could have someone with hypothermia during the summer if they are immersed in water and in certain conditions so really someone can develop hypothermia any time of the year.”
Kelly tells Quinte News, “The temperature for the (Belleville) warming centre is -15 right now and I think we can do better.”
“Hopefully some influence by Hastings Prince Edward Public Health, Dr Oglaza, on the scene maybe there could be a change. If not for this year hopefully for the upcoming years to come. Minus 15 is just too cold.”
The board voted to have Dr. Oglaza write to the local municipalities on the temperature matter.
