REGINA — The City of Regina has utilized $1.1 million in provincial funding to expand warming centre operations.
In November, the provincial government announced $20 million over three years towards warming centres, shelters and supportive housing as part of the provincial approach to homelessness (PATH) program
This funding has led to the creation of a new warming centre, the Seven Fires Warming Shelter, operated by the Nēwo-Yōtina Friendship Centre at 1635 11th Avenue.
Kerri Martin, City of Regina co-ordinator of community mobilization, said the space was chosen based on community partners and their availability.
“[We find] the spaces that's available to become operational sort of as quickly as we can to meet that need.”
The Seven Fires Warming Shelter will be operating nearly 24/7.
“They're operational from 4.30 p.m. till 7 a.m. Then they close for cleaning, and then they open up again during the day,” noted Martin.
The city also used the provincial funding to extend hours at Carmichael Outreach and Awasiw.
With the warming spaces available, Martin said the city is confident in the areas people can access, but acknowledges there is always a need.
City officials have made it clear in the past that warming centres don’t address the need for more adequate housing.
“[It’s] super complex. And we continue to work with the other orders of government to address the needs along the housing continuum,” said Martin.
In a statement, Mayor Chad Bachynski said, “The City of Regina remains committed to working with the province, community organizations and Indigenous-led partners to build long-term, sustainable solutions that support dignity, safety and pathways to housing for all.”
As for the colder temperatures hitting Regina this week, Martin said the city is discussing plans on an ongoing basis.
"We're looking at what capacity we have, and then looking at what options are available and utilizing those as needed.”
Those options include warming buses and transportation to different warming centres, which have been used in the past.
