Extreme Cold Weather Warming Centre
During extreme weather conditions, it's important that everyone has a safe place to go. With this in mind, Council has directed the operation of an Extreme Cold Emergency Warming Centre during the winter months in 2023/2024.
The sole purpose of the Warming Centre is to offer a place for unhoused individuals to keep warm during extreme cold in the evening. The intent of the Town is to provide a warm and secure space when the temperatures are forecast to be at, or below, -25 degrees Celsius (with a wind chill).
We monitor the temperature using the Environment Canada forecast as the standard. https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/ab-72_metric_e.html. On this site, Environment Canada provides current conditions, a 7 day forecast, and additional weather forecast information which includes a windchill prediction 48 hours out.
The centre will be accessible to our vulnerable citizens from 8:00 pm to 8:00 am. There are currently programs and warm spaces provided by various social support agencies during the daytime hours, as well as other spaces open around the community.
The Warming Centre site resembles the appearance of a portable construction office site, with a generator and lighting. When open, it is monitored by a professional security contractor. Fencing is in place to secure the property while it is closed.
On days the centre is active, generators will be started in advance to ensure the operational readiness of the warming centre.
The site will be removed in the spring.
The warming centre is located across from the Provincial Building at 54th Street between 1st and 2nd Ave.