More than 200 people are expected to be sheltering outdoors this winter in Kelowna.
“What we do know from all indications is that the issue of folks that might be sheltering outside is projected to grow for this coming winter from what it was last year,” Lance Kayfish, the city’s risk assessment manager, told council at its June 5 meeting.
In response, staff have been directed to apply for provincial funding for Kelowna’s extreme cold weather support project.
The Extreme Temperature Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning Grant will support applicants to ensure they have accurate knowledge of the risks associated with extreme temperatures, and to develop response plans to address those risks.
Kayfish said the city will identify what the available resources in the community are, that can be activated to mitigate the impact of extreme cold weather on people sheltering outside.
“If you can imagine conditions of -20 C, the rare occurrence of -30 C, being very specific about where those resources are and how to quickly activate them in that time of crisis.”
The Central Okanagan Journey Home Society was consulted for the grant application and will be involved in the project.
Interior Health is providing a letter of support for the grant application.
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