New Agreement Allows for Warming Centres in Cumberland
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The Village has entered into an agreement with the Comox Valley Regional District that would allow the lower level of the Cumberland Cultural Centre to be used as an emergency warming shelter by Comox Valley Emergency Management (CVEM).
A warming centre is a temporary drop-in space that can be activated as a life safety measure for vulnerable Cumberland residents during periods of extreme cold. A warming centre typically involves some tables and chairs where people can rest, escape the cold, and partake in a warm beverage and/or light snack. Sleeping provisions are not provided.
Warming centres should not be confused with Extreme Weather Response Shelters, which include sleeping accommodations and are intended to provide extra emergency beds for people who are underhoused during extreme weather conditions. There is no intention to transport individuals during extreme cold events from elsewhere to Cumberland where they may be further from support networks.
Security personnel would be on site at all times and the warming centre would be staffed by a contractor who is highly experienced in working with vulnerable populations. Both contracts are managed by CVEM and any costs associated with operating the warming centre will be the responsibility of CVEM.
Who pays for activating a warming centre?
The Provincial government through the Ministry of Emergency Management & Climate Readiness (EMCR) covers the cost of activating a warming centre. Any additional costs that may be borne by the Village of Cumberland that are over and above regular operating costs are reimbursed by EMCR via CVEM.
When will a warming centre be activated?
A warming centre may be activated when any of the following conditions are met:
- Environment & Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is forecasting, for the next 24-hour period, a temperature of -4C or lower as the lowest temperature for that period;
- According to ECCC, the temperature currently is -4C or lower;
- ECCC, for the next 24-hour period, is forecasting a temperature of 0C or lower as the lowest temperature for that period AND has issued a weather warning;
- According to ECCC, the temperature currently is 0C or lower AND ECCC has issued a weather warning; or
- There are locally identified conditions, such as a power outage combined with low temperature, that represent a risk to life and safety.
When activated, the hours of a warming centre in Cumberland would initially be limited to 10pm to 6am, which offers those in need solace from the cold night without impacting regular facility programming.
For more information regarding CVEM and Comox Valley Warming Centres please visit; Comox Valley Warming Centres | Comox Valley Regional District
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