As winter approaches, the harsh realities of extreme cold and inclement weather present significant risks to Kamloops residents, particularly those who are unsheltered. Understanding the severe risks winter weather creates, the City of Kamloops reminds residents that there are resources and supports as part of a comprehensive Cold Weather Response Plan to ensure that vulnerable individuals receive the supports needed to stay safe during the winter months. This plan encompasses a range of services, including warming facilities, transportation support, warming supplies, and coordination among local agencies.

Defining Extreme Weather: Triggering the Response

The Cold Weather Response Plan includes specific thresholds to activate the community’s response. These thresholds are based on Environment Canada’s forecasts and real-time data. An extreme weather alert is triggered when:

• temperatures are forecast to be -5°C or lower within a 24-hour period.
• temperatures fall to 0°C or lower, coupled with a weather warning.

This system ensures that necessary interventions are initiated swiftly when available, activating emergency winter shelters and services for those in need.

Collaborative Efforts and Ongoing Support

Extreme cold weather can be life-threatening for unsheltered individuals. The City recognizes the urgent need to prepare for and mitigate the dangers posed by these conditions. The Cold Weather Response table reconvened in August to prepare for the upcoming winter season. This collaborative group brings together shelter operators, outreach teams, RCMP, Kamloops Fire Rescue, and health care providers to ensure a coordinated response during extreme cold events. This collective effort enables real-time communication and resource sharing to meet the needs of the unsheltered population. This table will continue to meet in advance of forecasted cold weather events.

As in previous years, during response to extreme cold, City teams and partner organizations will distribute water, basic snacks, and warming supplies, such as blankets and clothing, throughout the community, by City teams and partner organizations, while conducting wellness checks and patrols where unhoused individuals are known to be. Information sheets with details on available shelters and warming spaces will also be widely shared with outreach teams and first responders.

Expanding Shelter and Warming Facilities

Municipalities in BC are not mandated to build or operate housing or shelters but play an important role in helping the Province identify lands to support the creation of social and affordable housing in the community. BC Housing is a provincial corporation that is responsible for providing social housing, affordable housing, emergency shelters, and outreach for unhoused individuals. 
The City provides a connection between community partners, agencies, and advocates for supports and resources. By implementing proactive measures, the goal is to provide a network of care that addresses the challenges faced by those without stable housing. 

Currently, the year-round shelter system accommodates 190 individuals. From October 15 until March 31, 2025, the Yacht Club Temporary Winter Shelter offers an additional 20 beds and operates 24/7. The Out of the Cold Society and BC Housing, with support from the City and Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, are adding an accessible modular unit to the Stuart Wood shelter location that is designed to meet the needs of individuals aged 55 and older with mobility challenges. Once operational, this additional space will provide 10 beds and will operate continuously throughout the winter until March 31, 2025, offering meals, accessible washrooms, and hygienic facilities to those unable to access the Stuart Wood shelter due to its physical barriers.

During cold-weather events, the City can access extreme weather response funds through the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness and provide these funds to non-profit operators to support the operation of additional warming spaces.

Although there are currently no shelter beds available on the North Shore, efforts are underway to establish a shelter in this area by the end of December 2024. In the interim, during cold-weather events, the Canadian Mental Health Association Kamloops will expand its capacity in existing shelters, offering 25–35 additional beds. During the day, while in cold-weather response, they will also operate a warming space at Genesis Place, providing food, warm clothing, and a safe place to rest.

To address transportation needs, the City has coordinated with social agencies to expand the Envision outreach shuttle service during cold-weather response, connecting unhoused individuals to shelter locations in the evening from muster points on the North Shore.

The City remains deeply committed to ensuring no one is left behind during the harsh winter months. Through this comprehensive Cold Weather Response Plan, we aim to protect and support our most vulnerable residents with dignity and compassion. Every effort will be made to provide warmth, safety, and care as we work together as a community to navigate the challenges of extreme winter weather.

Information

For information on shelters, social housing, and efforts by the City and its partner agencies to address homelessness, visit Kamloops.ca/Housing. 

For information on efforts by the City and its community partners to support a safe and secure community, visit LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca/SafeSecure.