Owen Sound City Hall. (Matt Hermiz/Bayshore Broadcasting)
Safe n’ Sound is receiving funding from the City of Owen Sound and Grey County to provide extended hours of operation this winter.
City council approved a $25,000 funding request at its meeting Monday night.
Owen Sound’s Director of Corporate Services Kate Allan told councillors Grey County has indicated it will match the dollars being provided by the city to Safe n’ Sound, covering the projected additional expenses for offering expanded hours during the coldest months of the year.
Safe n’ Sound is a homelessness prevention initiative that operates several services in Owen Sound, including a drop-in centre on 8th Street East that offers access to amenities like showers, internet and community services navigation.
Currently, Safe n’ Sound closes at 3 p.m. daily. Allan’s report says the city and county funding would allow it to remain open until 10 p.m. — including on weekends — from Nov. 14 to March 2023.
“Historically, the city has provided financial support for Safe n’ Sound to remain open for extended hours. However, only during cold weather advisories,” Allan explains.
Allan’s report says the approved request is not for permanent funding, but council may wish to consider ongoing financial support or similar initiatives during its 2023 budget deliberations.
