Counties council sparks outrage after sudden move to cut Brockville shelter funding

The BHP says closed-door budget questions may have led to misunderstandings that could have been resolved with its input

The United Counties Council of Leeds and Grenville has voted to end all support for Brockville’s emergency shelter on Dec. 31, 2025, a move the Brockville Housing Partnership (BHP) says puts vulnerable residents at risk as freezing winter weather sets in.

Mayors from Brockville, Prescott and Gananoque were not included in the decision, which reversed an earlier plan to fund the Cooperative Care Centre until March 31, 2026. Volunteers, church groups and donors had already made commitments based on that timeline.

The council’s reversal followed an unexpected in-camera session during its Nov. 20 meeting. The BHP says closed-door budget questions may have led to misunderstandings that could have been resolved with its input.

BHP leaders say they support long-term housing solutions but warn that new projects cannot replace the urgent need for a winter shelter. The group is calling for renewed funding and welcomes Mayor Burrow’s push for full transparency on all related correspondence.

More from BROCKVILLE Top 3