Extreme Cold Weather Warming Centre
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Update on Edson’s Extreme Cold Emergency Warming Centre Protocol
Edson, Alberta, December 13th, 2023 – Edson Town Council has established guidelines for the Extreme Cold Emergency Warming Centre Protocol.
After some robust discussion, Council has accepted the Protocol as presented at Tuesday’s Special Council Meeting, with the centre to be located across from the Provincial Building, west of 54th Street.
There are several advantages to this location:
- The Town of Edson owns the land;
- Close proximity to the RCMP detachment;
- High visibility for protection while not in use;
- No residential properties in the area; and
- Support services for the individuals are near this location.
The fenced site will feature two 10’ by 24’ warming trailers, a portable generator with lights, and two portable washrooms.
It’s important to remember that this is NOT a replacement of the Shelter Pod project. This is only active when temperatures fall below -25C, including windchill. If the temperature threshold is met, the warming centre would only be open from 8:00 pm to 8:00 am and there will be supervision by a third-party security contractor during operation. This is meant as an emergency warm up centre and is not intended for lodging.
Council has allocated up to $55,000 for the centre for 2023/2024, funded with money that was set aside, but unused, for the Shelter Pod Project.
One of Council’s strategic pillars is ‘Creating a Community that is Safe and Inclusive’. This warming centre represents Council’s commitment to safeguarding our most vulnerable citizens. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure the life-safety and wellbeing of all community members.
Council and Administration extend our gratitude to residents for their valuable input throughout this process.