Northumberland County will open the doors to an overnight Warming Room at County Headquarters (555 Courthouse Road, Cobourg) beginning Thursday, November 27, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. This will be a safe, warm respite space for individuals experiencing homelessness during the winter months.
The Warming Room will operate out of Committee Room A on the second floor, and will be open nightly from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. until March 31, 2026, offering warmth, washrooms, and light refreshments. It will be accessible from the rear of the County building using the upper parking lot entrance.
County Council approved plans to establish this temporary service in late October in response to the ongoing need for additional overnight shelter capacity. With the community’s only shelter at 310 Division Street frequently operating at or near capacity, the Warming Room will ensure that more unsheltered residents have access to a safe indoor space as temperatures drop.
“We continue to see high demand for shelter and respite services each winter,” says County Associate Director of Housing and Homelessness Rebecca Carman. “Staff have worked diligently to bring this temporary space forward. We appreciate the engagement of Town of Cobourg staff throughout this process to provide a license under the ECE By-law. This Warming Room will help ensure that more residents have a safe place to rest during the coldest nights of the year.”
“The Warming Room reflects the County’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable residents,” states Warden Brian Ostrander. “As winter approaches, ensuring access to a safe, reliable overnight space is an essential step in meeting the urgent needs we continue to see in our community.”
Northumberland County is committed to working closely with neighbours, partners, and the broader community to support the successful operation of the winter Warming Room. For questions or concerns:
· For security concerns or to report activity of concern near the Warming Room: please call 1-877-770-2564.
· For general questions about homelessness services: please email smithb@northumberland.ca
· 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 information about Town of Cobourg by-laws, please visit the Town of Cobourg website at Cobourg.ca/our-government/ bylaws/ or call the Municipal Clerk/Legislative Services Department at: 905-372-4301.
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
