A warming centre will open overnight beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 22 for those needing to escape the winter conditions. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

WARM SPACE

Additional warming centre opens as Nanaimo’s cold snap continues

Dec 22, 2022 | 4:36 PM

NANAIMO — Those needing a place to escape the elements have an extra place tonight.

A pop-up warming centre at the Beban Park Social Centre on Bowen Rd. will open at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 22 through 8 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 23.

“The warming space was opened in response to direction from the Vancouver Island Chief Medical Officer, who identified that limited capacity in existing shelters in Nanaimo during the current cold weather constitutes a hazard to human health,” an advisory from the City read.

Overnight temperatures are forecast to stay around -5 Celsius in Nanaimo overnight, however winds will make outside conditions feel like -13.

The space was first opened Wednesday evening, with 20 people attending during the 14 hours of operation.

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A temporary measure during the current cold snap, the service complements existing facilities available across the city.

Risebridge’s Warmbridge is currently running 24 hours a day during the extreme weather, and operates during more regular hours through the winter months.

Other warming centres or shelters are available at:

• 7-10 Club Society (St. Paul’s Anglican Church) – 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during extreme cold, otherwise Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Unitarian Shelter (595 Townsite Rd.) – 5 p.m. to 7:30 a.m., overnight beds and daytime warming services for existing guests
• Salvation Army (19 Nicol St.) – 35 overnight beds and daytime access for existing guests
• Samaritan Place (702 Nicol St.) – Added beds during extreme cold
• St. Peter’s Winter Shelter (301 Machleary St.) – 8 p.m. to 7:30 a.m., 34 beds available

Service is also available during extreme weather events through the Parksville Community Centre.

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