Northern Pines: New name for social services campus on former OPP property

The District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB) has chosen a new name for the collection of services offered at its campus located at 590 Chippewa St. W. 

Going forward, what was formerly known as Gateway Campus is now Northern Pines.

The similarity with Gateway Housing Cooperative — an organization that already exists in North Bay — was causing confusion in the community and "staff have determined that the name Northern Pines is unique enough to prevent any confusion or pose additional barriers to people who need the services provided at the campus," says Board Chair Mark King.

See related: New Transitional Housing expected to be a 'Game Changer'

Staff from DNSSAB and the campus operator, Crisis Centre North Bay, worked together to come up with a name that was unique to the area while reflecting the physical location of the site. Northern Pines is a collection of housing services that address the needs of vulnerable homeless individuals in the Nipissing District.

See also: Survey counts 300 experiencing homelessness in district over 24-hour period

And: Council discusses transient homeless population sent to access North Bay's 'hub' of services

Northern Pines is located in the retrofitted former OPP building on Chippewa Street West. It is being converted into 16 units, providing transitional housing at varying stages for the chronically homeless. The low-barrier shelter operates from a nearby structure on the property.