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Town works toward the creation of an Extreme Weather Response Shelter

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Town works toward the creation of a cold weather shelter

The Town of Sidney has been working on ways to help keep vulnerable community members warm during the coldest nights of the year.

On January 12, Council approved a proposal to establish a temporary overnight warming centre at the Nell Horth Room (10091 Resthaven Drive) adjacent to the Sidney and North Saanich Library, to operate during periods of extreme cold weather for the remainder of the 2025/2026 winter season. The nighttime hours of operation would not overlap with library services.

The proposal is subject to approval by the Beacon Community Services Board on January 22. If approved, the warming centre would be operated by Beacon Community Services and could be ready for activation as early as February 2026.

The warming centre would provide a safe space with seating, access to washrooms, and light refreshments during extreme cold events, with eligible costs reimbursed by the Province. A temporary storage container may also be installed on site to allow individuals to securely store personal belongings while using the facility.

Work on creation of Extreme Weather Response Centre continues

A warming centre in the Nell Horth room for the remaining months of 2025/2026 winter addresses immediate winter needs while longer-term planning continues for an Extreme Weather Response Shelter, which would include overnight sleeping mats during extreme weather. Staff are currently assessing St Andrews Church (9691 Fourth St) as a potential site for the 2026/27 winter season and will report back to Council with proposed public engagement plans should the site be considered feasible.

Background

In January 2025, Council directed staff to pursue a shelter to be activated during extreme winter weather to provide a safe place for people experiencing homelessness.

On September 2025, a Public Hearing was held to gather community input on a proposal to operate the shelter in a separate space at Wakefield Manor, managed and operated by Beacon Community Services. Due to significant public concern related to safety, Council did not approve the required Zoning Bylaw changes.

Staff continued to look for a suitable site and a service provider to operate an Extreme Weather Response Shelter or overnight warming centre in Sidney and brought options back to Council for further consideration on January 12, 2026.

Questions & Answers

During the winter of 2024/2025, concerned community members, including local volunteers and two organizations, asked Sidney Council to take action to better support people experiencing homelessness during extreme weather events.

These requests came from:

-The City of Victoria, which regularly activates emergency warming centres during cold weather, and
-St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, which provides outreach support in Sidney, including meals and assistance for people experiencing homelessness.

In response, Council directed staff to work with BC Housing to explore a temporary Extreme Weather Response Shelter in Sidney. This type of shelter would only open during extreme weather conditions that put the health and safety of unhoused individuals at risk, such as freezing temperatures, heavy snow, or dangerous storms. In times where the weather is not extreme, the shelter would not open.

No. An Extreme Weather Response Shelter or warming centre would not be a permanent facility. These would only be activated on nights with dangerous weather, typically fewer than 10 nights per year based on past trends.

 

A temporary shelter or warming centre would open during extreme weather events, based on forecasts from Environment Canada and other services.

This could includes:
-Heavy rain near freezing temperatures
-Freezing rain or sleet
-Snow accumulation
-Sustained high winds
-Temperatures at or below 0°C

 

Yes, as long as individuals behave safely and respectfully, they would be welcome to use an emergency shelter or warming centre during extreme weather events.

However, to maintain a safe and respectful space for everyone:
-No drugs or alcohol could be used on-site;
-All guests would need to follow shelter/centre rules and behave in a way that does not put others at risk;
-Trained staff would be on-site at all times; and
-Security may be provided when the shelter is open to ensure safety for residents, neighborhood and those seeking shelter.

These concerns are valid, and they are being taken seriously. A temporary shelter or warming centre would be:
-Professionally operated by trained staff (overnight security may also be provided)
-Open only when the extreme weather alert is activated.

 

Beacon Community Services is a trusted non-profit that has supported the Saanich Peninsula since 1974. Many residents know Beacon through:
-The SHOAL Centre on Resthaven Drive
-Employment Services on Third Street
-Local Thrift Shops in Sidney

Beacon also has extensive experience running shelters and supportive housing in region, including:
-Out of the Rain Youth Shelter in Victoria, for over 15 years
-Mirrors Supportive Housing in Victoria, opened in 2023

 

Related Links

For more information:

Emergency Planning

Phone: 250-656-2121