On February 3rd, Peterborough City Council voted against a motion to open a temporary, emergency, shelter in response to extreme cold.
The motion, led by Councillors Keith Riel and Alex Bierk, would allocate $150,000 from the Social Services Reserve to support the creation and operation of an additional shelter during winter months.
Riel and Bierk, co-chairs of the homelessness portfolio, repeatedly mentioned that there are currently “66 people” sleeping outside in Peterborough.
Riel pleaded with council to try and figure out some way to get those unsheltered people out of the cold. Those who spoke against the motion focused on the homeless and housing initiatives already in place.
“I can’t support the notice of motion on this, because we have done as much as we can do,” says Councillor Leslie Parnell.
The motion was defeated by a vote of 4-7.
