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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 an Extreme Weather Response Shelter

In January, Council directed staff to explore creating an Extreme Weather Response Shelter to support people experiencing homelessness during extreme winter weather. If established, the shelter would be activated when conditions issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada met the threshold to potentially threaten the health and safety of unhoused individuals. Based on previous years, this would likely occur approximately 10 days each year.

Considering potential location of an Extreme Weather Response Shelter

In partnership with Beacon Community Services, existing community space with a separate entrance and washroom in Wakefield Manor (9924 Third Street) has been identified as a potential location. Using part of the building for this purpose would require amendments to the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw.

On September 8, 2025, a Public Hearing will be held in Council Chambers at 6 pm for the community to provide feedback on this potential change to the OCP and Zoning Bylaw. 

Members of the public can speak in person, or virtually via Zoom. (Register to speak via Zoom by emailing admin@sidney.ca no later than noon on September 8th). Comments can also be sent in writing to admin@sidney.ca by 4pm on September 8th.

Back entrance to community space

This initiative is in the early planning stages. Staff are also working to secure a qualified non-profit organization to operate an Extreme Weather Response Shelter.

Provincial approval would be required for the initiative to proceed.

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For more information:

Emergency Planning

Phone: 250-656-2121