City of Nanaimo and community partners prepare for winter weather response

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed November 21, 2025 10:00 AM

Summary

As temperatures begin to drop, the City of Nanaimo is working in close partnership with a network of dedicated community organizations to prepare for the upcoming winter season. Together, these partners are coordinating a comprehensive response to ensure vulnerable residents have access to essential services during periods of extreme cold weather.

This collaborative effort includes expanding existing shelter capacity, establishing warming centres and organizing outreach teams to provide wellness checks and distribute survival supplies. In addition to these efforts, the City of Nanaimo is working to increase overnight warming centre services. These services are activated when weather thresholds are met as determined by the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) or BC Housing’s Extreme Weather Response Program (EWR).

The City is also funding the daytime services at the Hub through March 31, 2026. This Hub provides critical daytime supports and will offer access to warming centre services for people in need during extreme weather events.

Key winter services include:

• Temporary overnight shelters and warming spaces across the city.
• Daytime services at the Hub (until March 31, 2026) offering warming centre access.
• Transportation (Regional District of Nanaimo Transit Services) support for individuals accessing warming centre services.
• Outreach and wellness checks by trained teams.

Residents are encouraged to visit the City of Nanaimo’s Emergency Support and Services and for the most up-to-date information on available services throughout the winter season.

Link to Strategic Plan: Effective and thoughtful winter weather response supports Council’s goal for a Healthy Nanaimo.

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