DNSSAB Confirms Cold Weather Programming
The District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB) is confirming the ongoing delivery of the Cold Weather Program by Crisis Centre North Bay for the 2025/26 winter season and providing an update on the Board’s operational direction for 2026.
DNSSAB remains committed to ensuring that residents living unsheltered have access to warm, safe indoor options during the coldest months of the year.
Cold Weather Program – Winter 2025/26 This winter, DNSSAB will maintain the same level of support offered last winter season through the Cold Weather and Housing Response Program (CWHRP):
• 24 beds remain available for individuals needing a safe place to go during frigid temperatures.
• The Crisis Centre North Bay continues to work with motel partners to secure additional beds when extreme temperatures hit. Framework Approved for 2026 At its meeting yesterday, the Board approved a framework for the Shelter and Housing Response Program, outlining how services will operate into spring, summer, and fall 2026:
• CWHRP will continue operating 24/7 out of Phase 3 of Northern Pines until April 30, 2026. • Beginning May 1, 2026, Northern Pines Phase 3 will convert to transitional housing. This means 24 new units of transitional housing for the community.
• Effective May 1, 2026, the low-barrier shelter will operate for 12 hours per day out of the temporary portables until November 1, 2026. • On November 1, 2026, the low-barrier shelter will resume a 24/7 program.
• Effective January 1, 2026, the budget approved the elimination of emergency shelter overflow services in motels/hotels except during extreme cold weather alerts. To manage costs, a set number of rooms would be secured during the winter. When there is no extreme cold weather alert, these rooms could serve as emergency shelter overflow, prioritizing families with children.
• Given the changes above, shelter capacity will be impacted. Individuals seeking shelter from outside Nipissing District will be unable to access services if the shelter is at capacity. Individuals are encouraged to call ahead to the Crisis Centre (705-474 1031) to ensure capacity before attending. Every effort will be made to provide information about alternative resources or support options available in their area, if they cannot be accommodated in Nipissing. “We are doing everything we can to maintain stable winter supports and work closely with our partners to ensure people have safe indoor options when temperatures drop,” said Mark King, DNSSAB Board Chair.
2026 Budget At yesterday’s meeting: The Board used reserves and approved a 4% municipal levy increase. Essential services such as paramedic response and programs that keep people safe and housed continue to drive budget pressures across the District and the Province. “Municipalities are facing significant financial pressures, and the Board recognizes the impact this has across the District,” said King. “The Board is working to maintain essential services in a way that is responsible and respectful to local taxpayers.”
About DNSSAB: The District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB) is the service delivery agency for essential human services to the residents of the Nipissing District. These include Ontario Works, Housing Services, Children’s Services, and Paramedic Services. The jurisdiction of the DNSSAB covers a population of about 85,000 people, spread out over 17,000 square kilometers, 11 municipalities, two First Nations, and two unorganized areas – Nipissing North and Nipissing South. The Board is made up of 11 Municipal councillors and one elected representative for the Townships Without Municipal Organization. The Board members exercise powers, duties and responsibilities relating to the delivery of human services, while respecting the DSSAB Act and the Board’s Procedural By-Laws and governance model. Shared responsibilities with the Province and municipalities are combined within the DNSSAB.
