Cornwall, Ont. unveils winter housing plan amid fallout from homeless woman's death
CTV
The city of Cornwall will be leasing a former long-term care facility in the downtown core to house residents living in encampments during the winter season.
The city of Cornwall will be leasing a former long-term care facility in the downtown core to house residents living in encampments during the winter season.
Friday's announcement comes less than a week after the sudden death of a 67-year-old homeless woman at an encampment in Pointe Maligne Park, which Mayor Justin Towndale said he takes "full responsibility" for.
The mayor added that he had wished a plan to house residents experiencing homelessness could have been put in place sooner.
The city has leased the former Parisien Manor on Second Street East and Marlborough Street for seven months as part of its new Winter Housing Plan, which will be formally announced in a press conference on Friday.
Several local agencies will be providing a wide range of services to residents, including addiction services, mental health supports, help with personal needs and permanent housing solutions. The facility will provide up to 20 single rooms with a bathroom and shower.
Residents that are currently on the By-Name List and are homeless will be prioritized.
"The establishment of our Winter Plan initiative at Parisien Manor represents months of behind-the-scenes work focused on the establishment of a safe and secure location for the most vulnerable in our community," the mayor said in a statement unveiling the plan.
