The City of Kelowna has established a partnership with the Gospel Mission to launch a comprehensive emergency weather response plan aimed at assisting the homeless population during severe cold spells. This initiative is a proactive measure to protect vulnerable individuals by implementing tailored support based on the seriousness of the weather conditions. Kevin Mead from Kelowna Bylaw explained that the plan contains three distinct levels of intervention, each designed to escalate based on temperature thresholds. An emergency weather response event will be declared when the forecast predicts prolonged frigid conditions, specifically temperatures expected to be low for 48 hours or more.
The response plan outlines specific actions associated with three different temperature ranges. The first tier, or Level 1, triggers when temperatures fall between 0°C and -9°C. In this scenario, the city will implement enhanced wellness checks and distribute warming supplies to help the homeless stay warm and healthy. Level 2 is activated when temperatures drop to between -10°C and -19°C, prompting the city to deploy additional resources such as warming buses, a warming tent, and 24-hour shelter intake services to ensure that individuals have access to safe and warm accommodations. Finally, at the most severe Level 3, when temperatures fall below -20°C, the city commits to providing round-the-clock operation of warming buses and tents to deliver continuous support to those in need.
During winter months, the urgency of helping individuals without shelter intensifies, which was emphasized by Carmen Rempel, the executive director of the Kelowna Gospel Mission. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with the city on this critical initiative, highlighting that the needs of those living outside become particularly dire as cold temperatures persist. A key component of the emergency response plan includes a warming tent, which will be set up as a pilot project in Kelowna’s Tent City by the rail trail—a location that accommodates a significant portion of the city’s homeless community, accounting for approximately 56% of the population without homes.
The warming tent is designed to serve as a temporary refuge for up to 50 individuals facing extreme cold; however, it will operate under strict guidelines. Similar to a bus service, individuals using the tent will not be allowed to bring extra belongings inside, and adherence to a code of conduct will be mandatory, prohibiting substance use to maintain a safe environment for all attendees. This approach aims to ensure that those seeking warmth and respite are in a controlled and supportive setting while they navigate the challenges of homelessness during winter nights.
Despite the city’s best efforts, the current availability of emergency shelter beds in Kelowna is limited, with reports indicating that 95% of the existing 315 beds are already occupied. In response to this pressing demand, city officials have plans to enhance shelter capacity in the upcoming winter seasons. Colleen Cornock, the City of Kelowna’s Social Development Manager, confirmed that they are working on an additional 60 units at the Appaloosa site, though these units will not be ready for the immediate winter needs. However, she noted that there are no current plans for additional supportive housing or immediate emergency shelter options for the 2024-2025 winter, leaving a gap in services for that timeframe.
In summary, the City of Kelowna’s collaboration with the Gospel Mission to implement an emergency weather response plan represents a significant effort to address the challenges faced by the homeless population during harsh winter conditions. The structured approach with tiered support reflects the city’s recognition of the urgency of the issue and the need for comprehensive solutions. By initiating practical measures, such as the warming tent and increased shelter intake, Kelowna is actively working to prevent harm to the most vulnerable community members. However, the limitations of existing emergency shelter availability indicate the need for ongoing advocacy and development of sustainable supportive housing initiatives to ensure long-term solutions for homelessness in the city.
