Hastings County Council approved a recommendation for the expansion of a hybrid warming centre in Bancroft.
The warming centre will now see its operations go on a year-round, 12-hour operational model after it was able to find a permanent location.
Operations will be moving from 6 Cleak Street to a property on Billa Street with site work underway in preparation for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
Costs to run the services will be funded through the Homelessness Prevention Program – Municipally Administered Initiatives.
Operational costs include staffing and carrying costs such as utilities, property maintenance, insurance and taxes.
Expanded services at the new location will include a shower program, amnesty boxes, an accessibility ramp, designated smoking area, a bike rack, and a planned outdoor shed on property for limited client storage.
“That hybrid warming center will run as normal from December 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026 and then effective April 1, 2026, the committee is recommending expanding the Bancroft hybrid Warning Centre to year-round operations, which would be 12 hours nightly, expanding the hybrid warming centre to a permanent year-round operation,” Director of Community and Human Services, Jamie Lynn Osmond, told council.
“It ensures stable, accessible and comprehensive support for individuals experiencing homelessness in North Hastings, while fully leveraging allocated provincial funding. Community and Human Services staff will engage with community agencies to explore potential service delivery models for this site.”
Council approved the recommendation.
