Oct 21, 2026
Brockville, ON – The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville is pleased to announce the opening of a new Winter Warming Centre and expanded day-time support program in Brockville beginning November 1, providing enhanced services and support for individuals experiencing homelessness throughout the winter months.
As part of the Counties' ongoing winter response planning, two coordinated services will be available to ensure individuals have access to safe indoor spaces, support services, and connections to housing resources.
"Every resident deserves a safe place to come in from the cold," said Warden Corinna Smith-Gatcke. "The opening of these enhanced winter services reflects our commitment to supporting some of our most vulnerable community members while continuing to work with our community partners on long-term housing solutions. We are grateful to the organizations and staff who have come together to ensure critical supports remain available throughout the winter months."
The Counties are partnering with Bartimaeus Inc. to operate a new overnight Warming Centre located at 10 Church Street, Brockville. The Warming Centre will be open daily from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., seven days a week, until March 31, providing a safe, supervised indoor space during the winter season. Staff will be on-site helping connect participants with housing-focused supports and services aimed at achieving more stable housing outcomes.
Individuals accessing the overnight Warming Centre will enter through the rear parking lot behind First Presbyterian Church and will be required to complete an intake and participation agreement. Participants will be connected to housing-focused case management and supports. Light refreshments, including coffee and pre-packaged snacks, will also be available. To help maintain a safe environment for all participants, limited personal belongings will be permitted on-site, substance use will not be allowed on site, and the final admission each evening will be at 10 p.m.
Complementing the overnight service, a new and expanded day-time support program operated by Peer Support South East Ontario (PSSEO) will open on November 1 at 189 King Street West, Brockville.
On the same day, in an effort to ensure there is no interruption in service for clients, the current day-time drop-in program located at 25 Front Avenue and operated by Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health (LLGAMH) will close. LLGAMH opened the drop-in program in 2023 as a temporary solution to a pressing community need. The agency will now reimagine the dedicated space to determine how best to use it to serve the community. Loaves and Fishes, which operates at 25 Front Avenue, will continue to provide low-cost meals to the community.
PSSEO day-time program will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, until March 31, significantly expanding access from its current weekday schedule. Services will include peer support programming, access to laundry facilities, snacks, and evening check-ins for individuals requiring access to the overnight Warming Centre.
Together, these expanded services are intended to address the increased challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness during the winter season and to ensure continuous access to supports, shelter alternatives, and housing-focused services.
Residents who are experiencing homelessness, or who know someone in need of support, are encouraged to access available resources and services by visiting the Counties website.
Media inquiries:
John Kalivas, Communications Coordinator
United Counties of Leeds and Grenville
25 Central Avenue W., Suite 100, Brockville, ON, K6V 4N6
613-342-3840 ext. 2454 or John.Kalivas@uclg.on.ca
Contact Us
United Counties of Leeds and Grenville
25 Central Ave. W, Suite 100
Brockville, Ontario K6V 4N6
Telephone: 613-342-3840
Toll Free: 1-800-770-2170
