The local Cold Weather and Housing Response Program for those living unsheltered is offering the same level of support this year that it did last year.
That confirmation from the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB), which says the program is being delivered out of Phase 3 of Northern Pines by the Crisis Centre North Bay.
“We are doing everything we can to maintain stable winter supports and work closely with our partners to ensure people have safe indoor options when temperatures drop,” says Mark King, DNSSAB Board Chair.
The board says it remains committed to ensuring that residents living unsheltered have access to warm, safe indoor options during the coldest months of the year.
- 24 beds remain available for individuals needing a safe place to go during frigid temperatures.
- The Crisis Centre North Bay continues to work with motel partners to secure additional beds when extreme temperatures hit.
In the meantime, a framework has been approved for the Shelter and Housing Response Program, outlining how services will operate into spring, summer, and fall 2026.
The cold weather program will continue operating 24/7 out of Phase 3 of Northern Pines until April 30.
Officials say the next day, Northern Pines Phase 3 will convert to transitional housing, meaning 24 new units of transitional housing for the community.
They also say the low-barrier shelter will operate for 12 hours per day out of the temporary portables from May 1 until Nov. 1, then resume as a 24/7 program on Nov. 1.
DNSSAB says the approved budget also eliminated emergency shelter overflow services in motels/hotels except during extreme cold weather alerts.
The board says given the changes, shelter capacity will be impacted, and individuals from outside the district will be unable to access services if the shelter is at capacity.
