Nanaimo's newly established warming and cooling centre at 55 Victoria Rd. has seen a steady flow of people seeking their services since opening its doors on Jan 2. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

warming centre

‘A really positive thing:’ new warming centre in downtown Nanaimo helping city’s most vulnerable

Jan 17, 2025 | 5:27 AM

NANAIMO — About two weeks into operation the new year-round warming and cooling centre in downtown Nanaimo is already seeing a high turnout.

Located at 55 Victoria Rd., the City partnered with the Island Crisis Care Society (ICCS) and Nanaimo Family Life Association (NFLA) to operate the centre year-round, switching to a cooling centre once the temperature rises.

Violet Hayes, executive director of ICCS said they’re still in the process of getting the centre fully functional, offering services beyond a place to escape the elements and have something to eat or drink.

“We haven’t got quite to where we want to be yet because it’s just a big rush to get it up and open, but our hope for the very near future is to really be a place where different agencies can come in, work and meet with people so that we can provide them with the resources that they need.”

The City-funded centre was announced on Dec. 18, with their doors open seven days a week from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. giving those living on the streets a place to rest, a service which has been called for in Nanaimo for years.

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Hayes said since opening their doors, they’ve been serving around 71 unique individuals a day.

“Then sometimes people are coming back more than that, so we’re serving over 100 sandwiches every day, and just a real good atmosphere and people feeling comfortable getting to know the staff. It’s going well.”

The executive director of the Island Crisis Care Society Violet Hayes said people are grateful to have a place to go during the day, even just to sit, relax, and get out of the elements. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Hayes said they expect those numbers to increase as word of their service spreads, and as the temperature is expected to remain in the single digits for daytime highs next week.

She said while space is limited at the moment, she’s excited they’re able to work with other local agencies to help connect people with the resources they need.

“If someone needs to meet with someone or if it’s some sort of an application to BC Housing or something they need to put in, there’s a place where someone can come, sit down, and get some support to get those applications going…people are just so thankful for anything we can give them.”

She said they haven’t heard any complaints or comments from neighbouring homes or businesses yet, and said staff members routinely patrol the area cleaning up any debris left behind and moving people along.

While they’re serving warm drinks for now, Hayes said converting the space to a cooling centre in the warmer summer months will take minimal effort.

“I guess we might switch to iced drinks instead of hot drinks. But it will be the same service that’ll be provided year-round, so that’s a really positive thing….we’re very thankful to be able to be able to offer this and look forward to seeing positive outcomes.”

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