May 29, 2026

The United Way of Bruce Grey has announced a temporary pause on new intakes for its Utility Assistance Program until July 2, 2026, due to unprecedented demand pressures and limited available funding resources.

The program supports households in Bruce and Grey Counties experiencing emergency heating insecurity related to propane, furnace oil, and cord wood. These heating sources are not fully covered through existing provincial utility assistance programs such as those for electricity and natural gas.

“This was not a decision the Board made lightly,” said Francesca Dobbyn, Executive Director of United Way of Bruce Grey. “We are seeing a growing number of households reaching out for assistance for the first time, particularly households struggling to afford basic home heating costs. The demand has increased significantly over the past two years.”

Data reviewed by the organization shows that the increase in demand is being driven primarily by new households entering financial crisis, rather than by repeat program use. Rising fuel costs, inflationary pressures, and broader affordability challenges continue to impact rural households across the region.

Nearly 3 out of 4 households using the program in 2026 are brand new to the program.

Donors continue to stand behind this work in meaningful ways. What we are experiencing now is a widening affordability crisis that is bringing more first-time households into need than the program has historically been funded to support.

The temporary intake pause is intended to preserve emergency response capacity while the organization reviews long-term sustainability options for the program.

Households currently in process will be processed. During the intake pause, United Way staff will continue providing information and referrals to other available community resources and supports where possible.

The temporary pause is being implemented during the warmer months in order to avoid the possibility of service disruption during peak winter heating periods, when households are at greatest risk. The Board determined that taking this step now provides the organization with the best opportunity to preserve emergency response capacity for the colder months ahead.

“We know this announcement will be difficult for many people,” said Dobbyn. “Our staff and volunteers care deeply about the households affected by these pressures. This pause reflects the reality that community need is growing faster than the resources currently available to respond.”

The Board of Directors and staff will continue evaluating program capacity and community needs leading up to the planned reopening date.

For more information, please contact: Francesca Dobbyn
Executive Director
United Way of Bruce Grey