SUDBURY -- The daytime warming centre on Frood Road and Elm Street will relocate in 2021, after only opening its doors on Oct. 1. 

After receiving multiple complaints from businesses and residents in the neighbourhood, the staff at the warming centre said they are looking for a new location. 

"We've had issues with neighbours, we've had issues with businesses downtown, and quite honestly, it's gotten to the point where it's not working at this location any more," said Denis Constantineau, chief executive officer of the Centre de santé. "We want to be part of the solution. We don't want to add to the problems. So, instead of fighting against all of that, it's just easier to look for a new location."

Officials said the number of individuals using the warming centre has increased since the colder weather arrived, but not everyone is happy with the increase of foot traffic. 

"Behaviours have become more obvious in the neighbourhood, so the complaints have been increasing over time," Constantineau said. "Some of the neighbours have been wonderful. Some people have been very compassionate and very understanding. I understand that people are running a business and this has an impact on their business. Everything going on in the downtown core has an impact on everybody's business and our way of life, that's the reality."

Ward 4 Coun. Geoff McCausland said the warming centre has been a huge success, and last week alone, it had its highest utilization, which is why finding a new location is vital he said. 

"We need to have these supports in place. People have said 'well, why don't you use Cambrian Arena? Why don't you use here? Why don't you use there?' And the reality is...if the services that you need to access are in downtown, you need to be able to walk to them," McCausland said. "We need to have these locations in the vicinity of downtown. It's a challenge to find a location that doesn't have an impact on the neighbours, but we're dedicated to finding those solutions."

The program is currently operating seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4-9 p.m. and Constantineau said with the colder weather, staff are seeing 195 entries per day. 

Those involved are hoping to have a new location by January.