“Some among us would like to see that temperature trigger, I guess for lack of a better term, lowered to or raised if you will to sub-five, depending on the conditions. “
He added, “That’s a discussion that we’ll have with our emergency services personnel and you’re taking your advice from them … it’s minus 10 for now.”
Belleville Councillor Kelly McCaw questioned why the former city police station was not being used as in a previous year.
Director Suzanne Ritchie Raymond answered, “We did review that site this year with fire and emergency services as an option again to host the warming centre there. We did have one significant challenge with that site last year. Just because of the design of the building. It was very difficult for us to get sufficient washroom access to support both staff and clients. It resulted in us having to place a temporary outhouse, so to speak, in the front lobby of the building which presented its own complicating factors. So when Bridge Street United identified that we could use space in their building, we felt that was much more appropriate instead of looking at other possible renovations or temporary solutions for that, for a short-term program.”
“Bridge Street, as you know, has existing washrooms, showers and laundry facilities that would be accessible to folks who would be using the warming centre in the evenings. So it’s a much better layout and opportunity for us.”
Belleville Councillor Bill Sandison said, “I think the Bridge Street United Church is an excellent choice with the existing facility being there but also the support network that Steve and his team are building there. It will be able to be multi-purpose beyond just the use of a warming centre.”
Warden Phillips added, “The contribution that Bridge Street United Church continues to give to the City of Belleville and the County of Hastings. They have stepped up over and over again and they’ve stepped up again.”
The recommendations will now go to Hastings County council.
