Local comfort centres benefit from ACOA funding  

Here from the left:  Chad McDavid, Pictou County Wellness Centre, Central Nova MP Sean Fraser, MOPC Warden Robert Parker,  MOPC Director of Emergency Services Evan Hale and Bob Bennett, Summer Street Industries.

Comfort in a crisis is critical.

Knowing that you have a place to go to charge your phone battery, get some water, a hot drink or snack, or even meet your neighbours means a lot.  It gives you a sense of stability and strength that will let you get through another evening without the usual comforts of home.

This is why the Municipality of Pictou County is thankful to the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) for recently approving about $750,000 in funding for 30 of its facilities.  Twenty-eight comfort centres will receive a long list of supplies ranging from AED machines to kitchen goods.  The Municipality of Pictou County’s Director of Emergency Services, Evan Hale, has been working with these comfort centres and community volunteers to ensure they have the necessary items by the fall of 2024.

In addition, the Pictou County Wellness Centre has received funding for a new generator, while Summer Street Industries was also a funding recipient.

Central Nova MP Sean Fraser, on behalf of ACOA, announced the funding at the Little Harbour Community Centre on August 22, praising the efforts of volunteers and communities who come together to help those in need.  

“This type of stuff doesn’t happen automatically; it happens because people in their communities care about their neighbours and step up to do things that are necessary,” he said.

He said that, as demonstrated by Hurricane Fiona, we need to be prepared for more weather events that significantly impact our residents' lives. 

“With 28 locations in rural Pictou County, making sure people who might be stormed in don’t have to drive to the other side of town to get the services they need is incredibly important.”

 Municipality of Pictou County Warden Robert Parker said this ACOA grant will give the comfort centre the necessary supplies to help people feel better about navigating the next climate crisis. He said the municipality has worked in the past to help these centres purchase generators, but it knows one of the most important things is to have volunteers open the doors and look after their neighbours.

“This is a really good day.  We know we will have comfort centres that are well stocked and hopefully have volunteers to run them,” he said.  

Mr. Hale said a considerable amount of time has gone into this project, but it is a work in progress. He said we never know what the next climate crisis will be. It could be a hurricane, flooding, or snowstorm, and we react to each one differently.  However, knowing that people have places to go and to be met by the kindness of a volunteer with a warm drink is a step in the right direction.

“I am thrilled to see ACOA support our efforts. This funding ensures our county's comfort centers are fully equipped to operate effectively. With these resources, we can enhance our centers with necessary supplies, improved communication systems, and better volunteer training and resources. These improvements will significantly boost our capacity to provide essential services, safety, and comfort to our communities during emergencies."