Extreme Cold Emergency Protocol Update
Posted on
Update Dec 6, 2023
Administration acknowledges the concerns raised regarding the Extreme Cold Weather Cover Protocol and wish to provide an update following last night's Town Council Meeting.
Council expressed similar concerns regarding the proposed protocol, specifically pertaining to the location, proposed time limits, staffing, and potential costs associated with the temporary facility.
The consideration of Griffiths Park as a location has been removed, and Administration has been tasked with continuing to refine the protocol. Alternative solutions will be presented at a Special Council meeting scheduled for December 12th, 2023, at 8:00 pm in the Council Chambers.
Administration is actively working to address this complex matter by identifying alternative locations and making necessary adjustments to the proposed protocol. The primary objective is to enhance the safety and well-being of our vulnerable population experiencing homelessness during extreme cold weather, while also ensuring the safety and comfort of our residents and staff.
The Special Council meeting will be open to the public and can be viewed online via Facebook Live, the Town of Edson YouTube channel, and at www.edson.ca/live.
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Dec 4th, 2023
We appreciate the concerns raised regarding the Extreme Cold Weather Emergency Cover Protocol. This matter will be presented for Council’s consideration at Tuesday’s Town Council meeting. As of now, no conclusive decisions have been made.
The challenge of providing a location for our vulnerable population experiencing homelessness during extreme cold weather events is complex. Your feedback has been invaluable and Council will be thoroughly discussing this matter, including potential alternatives, tomorrow evening.
Following Council’s direction, we will have a clearer understanding of the overall concept and will provide more information to the public on the next steps.
It is important to note that the Cold Weather protocol is a temporary measure designed to protect our most vulnerable and only open when the temperatures dip below -25 degrees Celsius and is not intended to replace the Shelter PODS that were closed by Reflections as per their post on September 12th, 2023.