Annapolis Royal to get another comfort centre
Annapolis Royal will soon have another comfort centre in case of emergencies.
The town applied and was approved for provincial funding for a propane generator. It will be located at the Annapolis Hub, which is in the former Annapolis Royal Regional Academy building.
“In the past, there would be one single comfort centre at the fire hall,” Mayor Amery Boyer said. “Here they are, managing an emergency and they are operating a comfort centre.”
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 21 in Annapolis Royal also applied and received funding for a generator, meaning there will be three comfort centres within town limits.
Comfort centres are not emergency shelters but places where residents can charge their cellphones or get a warm drink.
“It really helps out,” Boyer said. “It takes the weight off the fire department. … Having more generators in the winter is a good thing.”
Widespread flooding, fires or large evacuations or power outages are some possible reasons the centre would be open.
The facility would typically be open between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. The town’s chief administrative officer could decide to open the facility or upon the request of the Annapolis Regional Emergency Management Organization.
The town is still looking for volunteers to be part of the group that would help organize and operate the Annapolis Hub comfort centre, which is expected to be ready by the end of April.
Currently there are 14 comfort centres in Annapolis County, including a recent addition at the Paradise Community Hall.
Annapolis REMO is working with groups in other communities interested in having a comfort centre. The municipality does have a grant program to assist with setting up a comfort centre.