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City opens temporary warming shelters, provides supports during cold weather

Below seasonal temperatures expected to persist into the week
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The City of Nanaimo is collaborating with the Regional District of Nanaimo to make warming shelters available for people without shelter. (News Bulletin file photo)

The City of Nanaimo is collaborating with the Regional District of Nanaimo to provide additional spaces for people without shelter to keep warm as a wave of cold and snowy weather settles into the area. 

The city said in a news release it will access emergency provincial funding to provide cold-weather relief spaces and enhance outreach supports. 

Services include a BC Housing Extreme Weather Response Shelter at 6553 Portsmouth Drive for up to 30 people. The building will be open from 9:30 p.m. until 7 a.m.  

There will be an extreme weather relief space at 2290 Bowen Road for up to 80 people. It will be open from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Transportation to and from the site is provided by the RDN’s transit system. 

Additional support from Community Safety Officers will help people find and access the shelters. Officers will also hand out supplies, hot drinks and conduct wellness checks. 

Additional overnight shelter is available at The Drop-In Hub (55 Victoria Road, access via Nicol Street, St Peter’s Winter Shelter (301 Machleary Street) and Risebridge Temporary Winter Shelter (520 Prideaux Street). 

People can also warm up in lobbies at city-owner recreation centres and Vancouver Island Regional Libraries during regular business hours. 

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement with cold weather predicted to continue into the week. Temperatures are expected to be five to eight degrees below seasonal with strong winds and the potential for more snowfall. 

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About the Author: Nanaimo Bulletin News Staff

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