As temperatures plummet this weekend, Northumberland County council reached a compromise over the expansion of the number of beds at 310 Division Street from 35 to as many as 46.
Interim Executive Director Christian Harvey said in a recent interview with Consider This Northumberland that the shelter had added up to 40 beds to meet current demand. He said he turned away up to 50 people recently.
Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland questioned the legality of the increase without formal approval.
Rebecca Snelgrove, the associate director of housing and homelessness, told council the increase to 40 beds aligns with fire safety plans. The changes were within the renewed license approved by the town in November. Hence, there was no need for formal approval.
Cleveland expressed concern about the lack of communication. Various staff members told politicians the town was consulted.
If further expansion to 46 beds were to take place, it would require hiring a full-time staff member, costing $280,000. The 2026 homelessness budget is exhausted.
Brighton Mayor Brian Ostrander said a clear financial plan was essential, and the county needed to work with the town to reconcile occupancy and licensing requirements.
A resolution was approved increasing capacity to 46 beds, directing staff to reconcile occupancy and licensing with Cobourg, and authorizing funds from reserves if necessary. The motion emphasized compliance with the ECE bylaw.
Cleveland told county council Cobourg politicians will consider a proposal to open a daytime warming room in town to supplement the nighttime warming room currently operating at the county building on Elgin Street.
Listen to the discussion and see what you think should be done around a possible expansion of beds and additional services.
In Their Words is a feature that allows people to listen to what is going on at the various councils within Northumberland. No spin. No opinions. No one is telling you what to think. Just what was said.
It is a chance you might not have otherwise to hear directly from your elected representatives. I hope you find it useful and informative.
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