Climate comfort centres play an essential role during extreme weather events, offering residents a place to shelter, charge devices, use the internet, and check in with family and friends.

“Atlantic Canadians know that to weather the storm, we need to pull together. Community spaces play an essential role during times of crisis. It is vital that these facilities have the capacity, resources, and tools to support and shelter folks in case of any emergency – and to help them get back to business as usual and resume daily life once storms have passed. Through the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund, your federal government is helping communities strengthen their facililites in Fiona-affected areas, building resilience and improving planning for future climate-related disasters.“
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Emergency preparedness isn’t just a plan; it’s a lifeline – especially in rural areas where emergency services are shared between many communities and can be limited. Climate comfort centres like those receiving support today can be the difference between uncertainty and security for community members. Readiness is the key to safeguarding our communities in times of extreme weather crisis, and this is an important step.”
- The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, and Member of Parliament for Central Nova

“Pictou County Wellness Centre is very appreciative of the opportunity to enhance the facility’s overall emergency preparedness plan through this initiative. As we discovered during Hurricane Fiona, we must not only be ready to support residents of the area but also the support crews who are brought into the county as part of the recovery efforts. Without ACOA support, this type of investment might not be possible.”
- Chad McDavid, COO of the Pictou County Wellness Centre Building Authority

"We are very appreciative of this federal investment in emergency preparedness in our community. This funding will support the establishment of two regional emergency shelters in Antigonish County and Town, and provide us with the necessary supplies to support our communities in a time of need."
- Owen McCarron, Warden of the Municipality of the County of Antigonish

“At Summer Street, we champion inclusivity, and we believe that engaging all abilities benefits everyone. By positioning Summer Street as an accessible, community based, comfort and warming center for families in Pictou County when they need it most, ACOA has further enabled our Community of Champions initiative, a phrase created by our participants that speaks to our belief that everyone is different, and that’s ok.”
- Keith Appleton, President of the Board of Directors for Summer Street Industries Society

“I am thrilled to see ACOA support our efforts. This funding is vital to ensuring 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 training and resources for our volunteers. These improvements will significantly boost our capacity to provide essential services, safety, and comfort to our communities during emergencies."
- Evan Hale, Director of Emergency Services for the Municipality of the County of Pictou

• Through the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund announced October 4, 2022, the federal government provided up to $300 million over two years, starting in 2022, to support local communities and businesses affected by the storm and to help long-term recovery efforts.

• The Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund was a time-limited fund that ended on March 31, 2024. 

Related products

• Backgrounder: Federal investment will improve climate comfort centres in Antigonish and Pictou counties

Associated links

• Government of Canada helps climate comfort centres in communities impacted by Hurricane Fiona prepare for future disasters

Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Lauren Sinclair
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
782-641-6365
Lauren.Sinclair@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Owen McCarron
Warden
Municipality of the County of Antigonish
902-863-1117
OMcCarron@AntigonishCounty.ns.ca

Chad McDavid
Chief Operating Officer
Pictou County Wellness Centre
902-759-5550
Chad.McDavid@PCWellnessCentre.ca

Keith Appleton
President
Board of Directors
Summer Street Industries Society
306-850-2862

Evan Hale
Director of Emergency Services
Municipality of Pictou County
902-485-2242
Evan.hale@munpict.ca

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