Moncton City Hall. Image: Staff photo

The mayor of Moncton has made a plea to the provincial government to support an emergency homeless shelter in the city this winter.

At the regular council meeting on Tuesday, Dawn Arnold noted how shelters are not a municipal responsibility although the city and the community have stepped up previously to open an emergency out of the cold shelter for the homeless.

Arnold said provincial officials now have a proposal in hand from YMCA ReConnect and Harvest House to establish a shelter.

But she added the province has asked to extend a deadline of September 15 to the end of this month.

“I cannot stress enough that time is of the essence. The community needs an answer so that ReConnect and Harvest House can hire staff, get ready and offer the support services.”

Arnold said a suitable location is also needed since the former Assomption fire hall which was used last winter is not adequate to meet the demand.

Earlier this month, YMCA ReConnect estimated there were about 200 people living rough in Moncton in addition to about 160 people who are using shelters.