Expansion of operations for the Bancroft Hybrid Warming Centre to a permanent, year-round, 12-hour operation by 2026 is moving ahead.
A Hastings County Community and Human Services Committee recommendation to expand operations starting April 1, 2026 until March 31, 2027 and beyond was approved at a County Council meeting on Thursday.
Department Director Jamie-Lynne Osmond said this expansion 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,” added Osmond.
This initiative was enabled through Encampment Response Initiative Funding from the provincial Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, which was provided for the purpose of purchasing land in the Town of Bancroft to serve as a permanent location for the Hybrid Warming Centre.
Having a permanent location, Osmond stated in her report to County Council, will also allow for the unhoused community to take advantage of expanded services.
During the 2024-25 season, a Hybrid Warming Centre operated at the temporary location of 6 Cleak Street in Bancroft, and included two separate areas, a sleeping area for six individuals and a traditional seating area.
Budgetary impact is expected to be a little more than $127,000 for 2025-26 and will jump to $381,315 starting in the expanded 2026-27 season.
Meanwhile, council voted to receive a report regarding equitable distribution of funding across Hastings County for the full spectrum of homelessness prevention and supports.
That motion included directing staff to provide an analysis regarding the ask for a permanent 24/7 shelter in Bancroft.
(BROCK ORMOND)
