Volunteers are preparing to open a temporary warming centre inside the Hants Aquatic Centre in Windsor. It will be open three nights a week to start. Photo by Carole Morris-UnderhillArticle contentWith a core group of volunteers in place and more being trained, plus bridge funding now available, a temporary warming centre in Windsor will open in December.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentMembers of the Windsor-West Hants Caremongers Society have been working towards the goal of opening the facility since being asked earlier this fall by the provincial Department of Opportunities and Social Development to run the centre.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentCaremongers had previously co-ordinated and operated the warming centre in 2023 and 2024.Article contentIn order to apply for provincial grants, the group became an incorporated society with the Registry of Joint Stocks Companies this fall.Article contentAs the colder nights neared, however, there was no confirmation that the society would receive provincial funding, hampering its ability to operate nightly.Article contentOn Nov. 25, the West Hants Regional Municipality received a request for $60,000 in funding from its diversity, equity, and inclusive communities committee. The majority of councillors stated they were not in favour of providing funding to staff the centre as it was a provincial responsibility.Article contentThis prompted social media outrage over the decision and calls to councillors requesting they show some compassion for Windsor’s unhoused or precariously housed population. Article contentArticle contentOn Dec. 9, West Hants council changed its tune and voted to give West Hants Caremongers $20,000 towards running the centre.Article contentArticle contentWest Hants Mayor Abraham Zebian said in an interview that council sees the value in providing bridge funding.Article content“We were under the impression that they would have the warming centre up and going for the first of December. I’m not going to dwell on the past or what happened with funding from the province and group applications and whatnot,” Zebian said.Article content“The intention and the hope is to help them get that opened a lot quicker,” he said, noting the funding can be used to secure people to operate the necessary overnight shifts until the provincial funds arrive.
Windsors warming centre receives municipal funding to kick-start opening
