Plans to create a warming room and respite centre in Cobourg are underway amid persistent cold temperatures, following the health unit’s warnings earlier this week about dangerous conditions.
Council directed town staff to immediately begin the process for using the second floor of Building 18, located on D’Arcy Street between Legion Fields and the Cobourg Community Centre, as a preferred site. It approved a $30,000 budget. It hopes to open the centre as soon as possible.
The plan is to pay for the centre using a reserve account and charitable donations. Mayor Lucas Cleveland said he plans to submit a bill to the province for any costs borne by taxpayers.
The initiative arose from concern about people using Victoria Hall as a warming centre. The mayor said staff were raising concerns around safety.
“What we are dealing with in Victoria Hall, each and every day, is not just horrifying, but it is outright criminal,” he said. “And, at this time, I’m uncomfortable with that, and I am open to what a solution looks like, as there’s nowhere to go. Then, I guess it’s up to us, to Cobourg, once again, to address the situation.”
Northumberland County’s warming room is only open at night, usually from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week, until March 31. During extreme cold, it opens earlier.
The Victoria Order of Nurses (VON) sent a letter to council expressing some concerns with the use of Building 18. It runs a program for seniors with Dementia and Alzheimer’s, currently using the first floor. A special security system is used to ensure clients cannot leave the building unattended. The letter asks the town to coordinate with VON to ensure this security feature is maintained.
Councillors also discussed the Emergency Care Establishment bylaw, asking staff to ensure it is followed, including 24-hour security, crime prevention, codes of conduct, maintenance, and a parking plan.
Staff will also look into a bus pick-up and drop-off system between the county’s warming room, located at its building at 555 Courthouse Road off Elgin Street.
Town staff will come back to council with a feasibility study and costs.
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