Brockville homeless shelter's funding request denied, City backs Counties' plan

The 28-bed Co-Operative Care Centre is now facing the possibility of closing its doors in a few weeks

In a special Brockville council meeting Wednesday afternoon, Shanna Culhane, director of community and social services at the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, presented their 10-year housing and homelessness plan from 2025-2035 in council chambers.

A plan that doesn't include funding for the Co-Operative Care Centre beyond Dec. 31.

On the heels of said presentation, and out of concern for people potentially having no where to stay over the winter months, Brockville Councillor Louise Severson brought forward a motion to use city funds to get the emergency shelter through the winter months.

A motion that was ultimately defeated in favour of the Counties' plan

Mayor Wren said the Counties is the designated service manager for housing and homelessness who receive provincial funding and hold the mandate to provide these services.

During her presentation, Culhane vowed that the Counties' plan is enough to accommodate those in need of shelter over the winter months, including a plan with an undisclosed third party that would provide a warming centre with around 50 beds until the new HART Hub is ready in early spring.

The 28-bed Co-Operative Care Centre is now facing the possibility of closing its doors in a few weeks. The Counties, as well as council thanked the CCC for their dedication over the last five years.

Story by Harper Cotie