Brockville homeless shelter's funding recommended to be extended until March 31st

The Co-Operative Care Centre

A rally was held in Brockville Tuesday morning in support of the Co-Operative Care Centre (CCC) after the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville decided to cut the shelter’s funding at the end of the year. On the heels of the rally, a vote that was described as "intense" by Brockville Mayor Matt Wren, resulted in joint services recommending that the counties extend the centre's funding until March 31st, 2026. The recommendation will now go to counties council for approval.

NDP representative and organizer Chris Wilson said the group was trying to avoid the worst-case scenario for people in need, especially with temperatures dropping.

Wilson explained he believes communities need to bite the bullet and invest more to support the less fortunate, especially given the current economic struggles.

He added his appreciation for the community organizations providing safe spaces and said he believed there was a way to get through this challenge positively.

Dr. Denis Bowes, a local supporter, said many people are only one misfortune away from needing community help and that “you never know what the future holds.”

Joan from Wall Street United Church, who attended the rally, said she was hopeful the counties would reverse their decision.

Claudette Boivin, another rally participant, shared how the CCC has helped people close to her.

She added that Brockville is just one city, and similar struggles are happening across Canada, urging all levels of government to do more.

Tanya Crosbie, another supporter, said it doesn’t matter how people ended up in their situations — everyone deserves support.

She added that with winter approaching, the issue had to be treated as a top priority.

The Co-operative Care Centre, a 28-bed shelter operated by the Brockville Housing Partnership, provides vital services for vulnerable residents.

Story by Evan Gibb and Harper Cotie