With the influx of cold weather, both Nanaimo and Sechelt are opening the doors to their warming shelters and centres.
Nanaimo Acting Mayor, Tyler Brown says they’re working with the province and other community members to ensure those on the streets have access to warmth.
Brown says, “Council is grateful for the hard work of all those who made this happen and show care for those in need.”
The City says, “City staff and RCMP members will be on the street increasing coverage of wellness checks and providing warming supplies.”
The City gives funding to Island Crisis Care Society (2025 Bowen Road), which will be open 24 hours throughout the cold spell for up to 60 people at a time.
Risebridge Society (520 Prideaux Street) is also publicly funded and will be open from 7 pm until 4 pm the next day. It’s available overnight to up to 30 individuals identifying as women only, with anyone welcome during the day (7 am-4 pm).
Per the City of Nanaimo, these other services will be open for those in need of warmth:
- The 7-10 Club Society operates a daytime warming centre from 9 am to 7 pm daily for up to 30 individuals at one time.
- The Unitarian Shelter offers 27 co-ed overnight shelter beds.
- Salvation Army has 35 overnight shelter beds for men.
- Samaritan Place has 14 overnight shelter beds for women.
- St Peter’s Winter Shelter has 35 co-ed overnight shelter beds open 8 pm to 7:30 am.
As for Sechelt, they have opened their overnight shelter on Lampray Lane operated by Raincity, and their warming centres are open to the public at the Trail Bay Centre and the Sechelt Public Library. Shishálh Nation is also opening its board room for Nation members to warm up during the day.
St. Bart’s Church in Gibsons will be open overnight (5:30 pm-8 am) for shelter and their public warming centres are at the Gibsons Public Library, Sunnycrest Mall, and the Gibsons Public Market.
