New 24-hour warming centre opens in Regina as cold grips city

Regina is using $1.1 million in provincial funding to expand winter warming spaces to help the vulnerable during the season. Wayne Mantyka reports.

People are seeking shelter from the cold at Regina’s newest 24-hour warming centre, now open on 11th Avenue.

Visitors say the additional space is making a difference as temperatures plunge.

“Incredibly helpful,” said Ty Carter, who uses the warming centre. “Three or four years ago there weren’t really warm-up spaces. Camp Hope was the thing.”

Brian Turnbull said he often moves between locations to stay warm.

“It’s not easy. I go here and to the casino quite a bit, and it’s cold,” Turnbull said.

• Download the CTV News app to get breaking news alerts sent to your device

The City of Regina had previously been funding two warming centres. One at Carmichael Outreach in the Heritage neighbourhood and another in North Central operated by All Nations Hope. The Newo Yotina Friendship Centre has now joined them, expanding access to overnight warming spaces.

Teresa Innis, executive director of the Newo Yotina Friendship Centre, said the need for after-hours shelter has been clear.

“We were hearing from our clients that they were still spending the night out in the cold,” Innis said. “They didn’t have anywhere to go after we closed our doors, and we noticed a trend of people needing space after hours after 4:30.”

The city will distribute $1.1 million in provincial funding among the three organizations to support the expanded services.

Mayor Chad Bachynski said the additional warming centres are critical during extreme winter conditions.

“This is extreme weather. This is a life-or-death situation for people who are outside right now,” hei said. “Being able to open additional spaces in different locations is incredibly important to keep residents safe.”

All three warming centres are open around the clock, with meals provided and support workers available to assist visitors.

Peer support worker Peter Desjarlais said the centres serve as more than just a place to warm up.

“It’s a place to eat, a place to drop in, and a place to just be warm,” Desjarlais said.

Funding for the warming centres is intended to last through the winter months, with doors expected to close in the spring when funding runs out. Some organizations say the need extends beyond the cold season and hope the program will eventually be expanded year-round.