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Chilliwack asked to 'keep an eye out' for homeless during cold snap

No extreme-weather shelter in place in Chilliwack as overnight temps dip below zero
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Cold snap with sub-zero temps arrives but no extreme-weather shelter in place for January 2025. (Black Press file photo)

With no extreme-weather shelter beds in Chilliwack this year, and overnight temperatures tumbling below zero, community members are being asked to proactively "keep an eye out" for those living rough.

Ruth and Naomi's Mission (RAN) announced in early January they did not have the space to offer respite from freezing temperatures in what is referred to as "extreme weather" shelter space, typically a mat on the floor, a snack and something warm to drink.

RAN executive director Scott Gaglardi posted again a reminder again on Friday before the mercury fell (Jan. 17) stating that they were unable to help out as they had in previous years, like with last year's cold-snap inside the former United Church, now demolished to make way for affordable housing.

"The forecast is showing temperatures dropping below zero over the next few days," Gaglardi wrote last Friday. "Unfortunately, we don’t have an Extreme Weather Shelter (EWS) in place right now, so it’s more important than ever to keep an eye out for our city’s most vulnerable residents who could be seriously affected by the cold."

To anyone out there "in a position to help or support someone in need, please do what you can," the RAN official added. "Together, we can make a difference during these challenging conditions."

City of Chilliwack officials were asked to explain what the city's role is providing "extreme weather" shelter spaces for sub-zero weather since many in the community are not aware it is not their jurisdiction.

"Even though housing, shelter and healthcare are provincial responsibilities, the province does not proactively plan for extreme weather response (EWR) beds in the winter," according to the emailed statement by Jamie Leggatt, spokesperson for City of Chilliwack.

Instead the province relies on local service providers like RAN to submit extreme weather proposals under the federal Reaching Home homelessness funding for when winter temperatures plummet.

"The city's role is land use and zoning, and providing additional funding when available."

In November, the city was informed that RAN's extreme weather response plan was to add 10 beds to their Pathways Overnight Shelter, on Margaret Avenue.

"In December, Chilliwack city council allocated $37,954 of Reaching Home funds to expand capacity at Pathways to support the continuous use of those 10 beds from January 1 to March 31, 2025," Leggatt added. "We understand that there are also an additional 26 winter shelter beds through Ruth and Naomi’s Mission, which should bring the total number of winter shelter beds to 36."

A further 30 year-round beds were added at the Wellness Centre on Trethewey Avenue last year, as well.

A "shelter" is only a permitted land-use with R8 (Supportive Housing) zoning, or in other zones with temporary use permit (TUP).

Many in the community have urged local church officials to open their unused church spaces to those experiencing homelessness.

But there are zoning issues with that scenario, the city official pointed out.

"Churches in our community are not zoned R8, but there are many other locations that are currently in the R8 Zone and would allow shelter use and EWR beds," Leggatt added.

"This includes Pathways Overnight Shelter and Interchange Supportive Housing, both operated by Ruth and Naomi’s Mission, as well as two RainCity supportive housing locations, and Annis House Supportive Housing.

"For the sake of expediency, city staff are encouraging service providers to consider implementing additional EWR beds, if needed, at locations that are already appropriately zoned."

Chilliwack resident Jennifer Kennedy contacted The Chilliwack Progress about the situation after RAN first announced the lack of weather based shelter spaces.

"I am writing to express my deep concern, shared by many in our community, regarding the alarming decision not to provide Extreme Weather Response (EWR) beds in Chilliwack this winter," Kennedy wrote.

"This choice places our most vulnerable residents in grave danger and reflects poorly on our city's commitment to the well-being of all its citizens."

Kennedy who signed her letter "a concerned citizen" noted that even without the cold-weather conditions, "the situation is dire. On any given night, a visit to the Emergency Department at Chilliwack General Hospital reveals the harsh reality. Overcapacity frontline workers face additional strain as vulnerable individuals seek warmth, dryness, and safety in the waiting room—a space already stretched to its limits seeing upwards of 240 patients a day.

"The lack of shelter exacerbates wait times for those with urgent healthcare needs and places undue stress on our already overwhelmed healthcare system. "Without any available shelter options, it is reasonable to anticipate an influx of individuals to the Emergency Department.

"This scenario is not only unsustainable but also inhumane."

Kennedy alleged that the freezing cold in 2024 turned deadly, although city officials said they were unaware of any fatalities.

"Last winter, even with 50 EWR beds, two individuals tragically froze to death in Chilliwack," Kennedy wrote. "With no EWR beds this year, the death toll is expected to rise significantly. These are not just numbers; these are human lives—members of our community who deserve dignity and compassion."

 

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Jennifer Feinberg

About the Author: Jennifer Feinberg

I have been a Chilliwack Progress reporter for 20+ years, covering city hall, Indigenous, business, and climate change stories.
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