Northumberland County Council Approves Plans to Open Winter Warming Room at County Headquarters
Northumberland County will open an overnight Warming Room for the 2025/2026 winter season to provide a safe, warm respite space for individuals experiencing homelessness. The Warming Room will operate out of Council Chambers at County Headquarters – 555 Courthouse Road, Cobourg. Once launched, it will be open seven nights a week until March 31, 2026.
County Council approved the establishment of the temporary Warming Room at a Special Meeting today, recognizing the ongoing need for additional overnight shelter capacity during the winter months. With the community’s only homeless shelter at 310 Division Street, Cobourg frequently operating at or near capacity, the Warming Room will help ensure that more unsheltered residents have access to warmth and safety as temperatures begin to drop.
“We know that the approaching cold weather poses serious risks for individuals living without shelter,” states County Interim CAO Glenn Dees. “By once again introducing a winter Warming Room, the County is expanding the local shelter system’s capacity and taking proactive steps to protect vulnerable residents during the harshest months of the year.”
“The Warming Room is a compassionate and practical response to an urgent community need,” states Warden Brian Ostrander. “This is one piece of a broader effort to ensure that everyone in our community has access to safe and dignified supports when they are most needed.”
County staff immediately moved to expedite preparations following today’s meeting. While Council authorized an opening date as early as November 1, 2025, staff will require additional time to arrange staffing, equipment, and other necessary resources. The County will also engage Town of Cobourg staff regarding any ECE By-law requirements. Based on these factors, it is anticipated that a Warming Room could open within two-to-four weeks pending all necessary approvals, with a goal to open the doors as quickly as possible.
The Warming Room at 555 Courthouse Road, Cobourg, once opened, will provide access to warmth, washrooms, and light refreshments overnight throughout the winter season.
For information about emergency shelter availability at 310 Division Street in Cobourg, please visit the shelter or contact the shelter directly at 905-376-9562.
For more information about County supports and resources for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, please visit Northumberland.ca/HousingAndShelter .
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love