The Town of Creston recently opened an emergency warming centre, amid a cold snap that has affected much of the province.
The temporary shelter was activated under the Extreme Cold Response Plan, which was developed back in November with support from public feedback. It is intended to only be open in cases of exceptionally cold weather, when temperatures hit below -10 C.
Located in the former ambulance building at 138 10 Ave. N., the warming centre is a public space welcoming anyone in need of a warm, dry place. There is access to washrooms, a seating area, and hot drinks, but no beds - as mandated under the funding model.
As of Jan. 19, a cold snap had arrived in the valley, dipping to -14 C overnight. Since then, the warming centre has been open for 17 nights total, from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. It is staffed by two people and a security guard.
At the Feb. 11 town council meeting, a report on activities at the centre was submitted by Fire Chief Jared Riel.
“In total, 10 individuals (including one social services staff member) have visited the warming centre with an average of four to five visitors per night,” states Riel’s report.
The living situations of those people vary: three reside in the tent encampment behind the building, two live in an RV within the district, one lives in their car, one has no shelter whatsoever, and the status of two others was uncertain.
The report stated two calls were made to the RCMP during overnight hours, but both incidents have been resolved.
As for finances, total costs to the town are estimated between $1,000 to $1,500, according to the report.
Expenses for staff, security, utilities, building maintenance and materials, cleaning supplies, snacks, and drinks are approved by the emergency management and climate readiness co-ordinator.
The warming centre will continue to be open during inclement weather conditions.
