During winter months, cold, wet, and windy weather can pose serious health risks - particularly for people who may be vulnerable or living outdoors. To help keep people safe, the City of New Westminster activates Daytime and Nighttime Warming Centres during the specified hours to provide temporary relief from severe weather.

Activation is based on weather forecasts and observed conditions that increase health and safety risks for people who may be outdoors. The specific conditions for each warming centre is outlined below.

When open, warming centres provide safe access to indoor spaces and essential supports to help people get warm, dry off, and access basic services.

What Warming Centres Provide

When activated, warming centres may offer access to:

• Warm indoor spaces

• Washrooms

• Food and hot drinks

• Clothing and other essential supports

Additional services vary by location and time of day, as outlined below.

Daytime Warming Centre

Location

658 Clarkson Street
Union Gospel Mission Resource Centre

Hours

When activated, the Daytime Warming Centre is open weekdays from 10:00 am – 3:30 pm.

Available Supports

When open, the Daytime Warming Centre provides access to:

• Warm indoor space

• Washrooms

• Showers

• Food and hot drinks

• Clothing and other supports

• Referrals to additional resources, where available

Activation Criteria

The Daytime Warming Centre is activated when one or more of the following weather conditions are met:

• Temperatures at or below 2 degrees Celsius

• Heavy rain combined with low temperatures at or below 2 degrees Celsius

• Three or more consecutive days of rain, creating conditions where it is difficult for people to stay dry

• Snow accumulation

• Sustained or steady winds of 70 km/h, or wind gusts of up to 90 km/h, that create unsafe conditions for people living outdoors

Nighttime Warming Centre

Location

40 Begbie Street
Purpose Society Health Contact Centre

Hours

When activated, the Nighttime Warming Centre is open from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am.

Available Supports

When open, the Nighttime Warming Centre provides access to:

• Warm indoor space

• Washrooms

• Mats

• Food and hot drinks

• Clothing and other supports

Activation Criteria

The Nighttime Warming Centre is activated when the following conditions are met:

• Temperatures at or below 0 degrees Celsius, or

• Snow accumulation combined with temperatures close to 0 degrees Celsius

Funding and Program Information

Funding for Daytime and Nighttime Warming Centres is provided through the Crises Response Pilot Project (CRPP).

The CRPP supports community-based responses that help address urgent needs during extreme weather and other crisis situations.

Learn more about the Crises Response Pilot Project at:
newwestcity.ca/crises-response-project

Additional Shelter and Warming Options

For the most up-to-date information on:

• Current warming centre activations

• Local shelters and additional supports

please visit newwestcity.ca/staywarm.