Warming Centre opened in the nick of time
Even though it opened months behind schedule, the Overdose Prevention Site and Warming Centre on 100th Avenue, where the warming centre was located last winter, managed to open just in time for the arrival of the usual January blast of cold.
Fortunately, when the Centre and OPS opened in December, the weather was still much warmer than many Decembers of our past winters, meaning that those who need a place to warm up during the day, were not left out in the cold.
“The Warming Centre is a warm, safe space to come during the day, with hot food and drinks available,” said Eryn Collins, Regional Director of Public Affairs and Media Relations with Northern Health.
Windchill values plunged to -50 degrees celcius for several days last week, with Environment Canada issuing extreme cold warnings, noting that at those temperatures, exposed skin can freeze in minutes. Frostbite and hypothermia are potential issues for anyone who stays outside in such temperatures, particularly the homeless, whose make-shift shelters don’t provide sufficient warmth to withstand the extreme temperatures.
“We recognize this is an important community service to continue to offer, particularly when we experience extreme cold temperatures in the community.”
The Warming Centre saw up to 100 visits by people during the week of January 8 seeking warmth.
In addition to the Warming Centre, which is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, the City of Fort St. John’s public buildings were open daily during the extreme cold so that anyone out in the elements could get out of the weather and warm up.
After business hours, the Salvation Army’s Northern Centre of Hope acted as a warming centre overnight.
Risk of frostbite continues overnight for the next few days, but temperatures are expected to climb to near zero during the day by Wednesday and Thursday, no doubt bringing a measure of relief to those experiencing homelessness.