A Warming Centre will be open from 11 p.m. on January 10 until 7 a.m. on January 11, as temperatures are anticipated to reach -4°c or below.
In response to the low overnight temperatures forecast to begin on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, the City is activating a Warming Centre at the Community Centre, 401 11th Avenue. The centre will be activated at 11 p.m. on the evening of January 10 and run to 7 a.m. on January 11, 2024.
“Having a safe space to get warm is essential for people experiencing homelessness and living outside during periods of cold weather,” says Elle Brovold, City Manager. “The City is working with community organizations and other levels of government on long-term solutions for housing for all and support for people experiencing homelessness and related issues. While we carry out this work, we as a community must provide these types of emergency responses to save lives. Thanks to all involved in setting up and operating this warming centre and to the community for supporting neighbours and vulnerable residents during cold weather events.”
The City may provide an overnight warming centre, at the discretion of the City Manager, on evenings when the forecast reaches -4 degrees Celsius or below, according to Environment Canada, or when low temperatures, rainfall or storm events, trigger the City’s Extreme Weather Plan.
The forecast currently suggests low temperatures from Wednesday, January 10 through to Saturday, January 13, 2024, and the Warming Centre may be opened nightly as needed, provided that staff, security and volunteers are available and that there are no major events or bookings scheduled onsite. The City will notify the public on the City’s website and social media channels regarding the Warming Centre’s operating hours in the coming days. Groups with private bookings will be contacted if the Warming Centre will affect programming.
Warming Centres are open to all for short-term stays and visitors may bring pets and belongings, including bikes and carts. Hot drinks, snacks and seating will be available, however, beds will not be provided. The Warming Centre will be staffed by individuals with experience working with people experiencing homelessness to ensure necessary support is available.
42 existing overnight shelter spaces are available every night between November 2023 and March 2024, funded by BC Housing and operated through local providers. Funding for the Warming Centre is provided by the Province through Emergency Management Climate Readiness and the City of Campbell River.
Thank you to the efforts of all staff, volunteers and partners for their role during this activation.
CITY TO PROVIDE WARMING CENTRE DURING UPCOMING WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS - NEWS RELEASE - JANUARY 2024