A newly opened cold weather shelter at Caledonia Park is proving a daytime warming space for those experiencing homelessness, or needing a break from the sub-zero temperatures. (submitted photo/Justice Chalifoux)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

OPEN DOORS

New shelter in Nanaimo providing additional options to escape frigid cold

Dec 30, 2021 | 1:02 PM

NANAIMO — Those experiencing homelessness or needing a warm space now have another option.

An extreme weather daytime shelter began operation at Caledonia Park on Monday, Dec. 27, open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on days when outside weather conditions pose a risk to health and safety.

No specific conditions, such as temperature, were defined but the shelter has space for up to 12 people and is operated by the Nanaimo 7-10 Club Society.

“Having a number of choices to shelter in extreme weather ensures more individuals the opportunity to utilize services in which they feel comfortable doing so,” Gord Fuller, executive director of the 7-10 Club, said in a release.

Demand for the shelter has been high with 12 users taking advantage of the site on Monday, with 18 spending time inside on Tuesday, Dec. 28 and Wednesday, Dec. 29.

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The City-funded space is in addition to two other facilities on Wallace St., being operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association, and Commercial St. operated by Rise Bridge Project.

A daytime warming centre originally opened in early December through the Society for Equity, Inclusion and Advocacy, however it was forced to close a week after it began operating after funding for the society was allegedly stolen by a now-former employee.

Three overnight options remain in Nanaimo, with St. Peter’s Church on Machleary St. providing 24 beds from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. through to the end of March.

Those beds are operated in a partnership between the Nanaimo Family Life Association and the local chapter of the John Howard Society.

Year-round emergency shelter options are also available at the Unitarian shelter on Townsite Rd. and the New Hope Centre on Nicol St.

Operated by the 7-10 Club, a cold weather shelter is available during extreme cold events for those needing a break from the snow. (submitted photo/Justice Chalifoux)

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