The Town of Rocky Mountain House is planning to open a winter warming centre to provide shelter for vulnerable individuals during cold weather events.
The town is seeking a community group or organization to host the centre. The warming centre would provide a safe space for individuals during extreme cold, with the town committing $5,000 from this year’s budget and earmarking $20,000 from the 2025 budget.
The need for a severe weather shelter was identified in the town’s recently adopted 2024-2026 Strategic Plan.
Any potential centre would need to accommodate at least 30 people, CAO Dean Krause explained, as this number reflects the estimated vulnerable population in the town.
Coun. Marley Capraro said at least 30 individuals sought shelter during the coldest days of last winter.
The centre would also need to provide access to restrooms, sleeping areas, and pedestrian accessibility.
According to the draft plan, the centre would open under the following conditions:
- When temperatures (air temperature or wind chill) are expected to reach -30°C for two days, as determined by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).
- When temperatures are expected to reach -40°C for at least two hours, as determined by ECCC.
- When a severe weather warning is issued by ECCC.
Coun. Dave Auld suggested lowering the temperature threshold to -25°C and reducing the minimum occupancy to 20 people to allow for more host location options.
Deputy Mayor Dale Shippelt expressed concern that the proposed guidelines might deter potential hosts.
Council approved the plan with the following amendments:
- Lower the minimum occupancy accommodation to 20 people.
- Lower the temperature threshold to -25°C.
- Include language indicating that the guidelines have some flexibility.
Interested organizations are invited to submit their expressions of interest by Nov. 25, 2024.
Director of Planning Wes Amendt said the town has already been in contact with potential partners and hopes to have the warming centre operational by December.
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