Former Tourism Office to Become Winter Warming Centre in Clarington

At the recent meeting of the General Government Committee on April 7, 2025, the Clarington Council finalized an agreement to lease the former Tourism Office on Liberty Street South. This site will serve as a Winter Warming Centre during the 2025-26 season. The initiative aims to support the local homeless population by providing a comfortable and safe shelter during the colder months.

The Centre will operate under the auspices of the Region of Durham, focusing on the needs of unsheltered individuals in the area. Sahar Foroutani presented operational details of the Winter Warming Centre, highlighting community engagement and logistical aspects of the initiative.

Mayor Foster acknowledged the efforts of the Integrated Community Outreach Network in Clarington (ICONIC) during the meeting, pointing to their role in coordinating support services like meal provisions and fostering community connections for those in need. ICONIC's contributions underscore collaboration with community partners to address local homelessness effectively.

The council discussed community involvement and the importance of ongoing evaluations to understand and adapt the services provided by the Winter Warming Centre. The members agreed to revisit the initiative's impact upon completion of the winter season to assess its effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.