One community group says there are no plans to use their new space as a warming centre.
North Hastings Community Trust is moving to a new location, which they say is the first community land trust in North Hastings. Executive Director Jane Kali says that despite rumours, they will not be running a warming centre this winter in the new space.
According to the Canadian Network of Community Land Trusts, a land trust is a non-profit organization that holds land in the interest of the community. They are often used to ensure affordable housing or to secure space for social benefit.
The Trust is urging the public to start the work of making a warming centre for this coming winter. They say that while it was good that members of the community could use the warming centres in Bancroft over the last few months, they say that the facility had no beds, no warm meals, and limited operating hours. They say it is the job of the government to see that a warming centre is operational and funded properly.
The Trust says that its focus will continue to be on creating long-term, affordable housing for the community. They say they want to make sure that everyone is housed, fed and connected to North Hastings.