The seasonal warming centre in Brockville, Ontario, will close on April 30, 2026, as the region marks the end of the winter shelter season. The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville announced the closure, noting that operations at the site, which provided overnight shelter during the colder months, will conclude as planned.
The warming centre, which was housed at 166 Pearl Street East in the former Commonwealth Public School, operated from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. throughout the winter. While the temporary site provided space for those in need, the county has been transitioning its strategy toward long-term supportive housing as part of a 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan. In 2025, the counties added 49 supportive housing units to the community, including 25 supportive cabins and 24 units located at County Road 2.
According to the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, efforts to address homelessness have seen recent progress. The local list of individuals experiencing homelessness dropped from 165 people in October 2025 to 113 as of April 2026. Additionally, the number of individuals living in local encampments has fallen from a peak of more than 80 to approximately 27 as of March 2026.
Despite these figures, local officials have expressed concerns regarding the transition. Brockville Mayor Matt Wren has noted that the closure of the warming centre could lead to an increase in individuals returning to encampments throughout the city. The region continues to provide ongoing support through outreach services, including the Leeds Grenville Paramedic Service SUMMIT team, which connects individuals with medical care and social services.
Looking ahead, the community awaits the opening of a new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hub, operated by Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health, at 280 King Street East, which is expected to open in the spring of 2026. This facility is intended to consolidate addiction, mental health, and housing services for the area.
