Skip to content

Trail reopens extreme weather shelter amid cold snap

Frigid temperatures are the result of an Arctic air mass plunging southward ...
250124-tdt-m-cots
The basement of the Trail United Church is the regional locale for the temporary shelter when it is up and running from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. during extreme cold spells.

After a two-day closure due to milder temperatures, the City of Trail will reopen its temporary Extreme Weather Response (EWR) shelter on Friday night, Jan. 24.

The protocol to activate the temporary shelter was initiated on Friday, Jan. 17, following a drastic drop in temperatures to extreme cold levels.

Since its opening, the shelter has provided nightly relief to over 20 individuals.

Located in the basement of Trail United Church, the shelter operates from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. during extreme weather alerts, offering a warm and safe refuge from harsh winter conditions.

The frigid temperatures, the coldest of the season so far, are the result of an Arctic air mass plunging southward across much of the continent.

Environment Canada recently highlighted the severity of the situation, remarking on social media, “Winter has not forgotten southern British Columbia.”

This Arctic air mass follows an Alberta Clipper — a fast-moving winter storm — and additional cold outbreaks may occur later this month.

The EWR initiative is a collaborative effort involving the City of Trail, BC Housing, the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary, Interior Health Authority, ANKORS, Trail United Church, and dedicated community volunteers.

The city extends its gratitude to these partners, as well as donors and volunteers, for their ongoing support.

Future responses to extreme weather in Trail will be continuously evaluated according to the EWR Plan.

In addition to the nighttime shelter, there are daytime spaces available for temporary relief from winter weather, including:

• City Hall (1394 Pine Ave): Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Trail Riverfront Centre (1505 Bay Ave): Open during regular hours.

The Province of B.C. has established comprehensive emergency weather response plans to address various extreme weather conditions, focusing on preparedness, response, and recovery. Key components include:

Extreme Weather Response Program: This program funds community-based services to provide temporary emergency shelter spaces during periods of extreme winter weather, typically from Nov. 1 to March 31. Communities determine the specific weather conditions that warrant activation and manage the operation of these shelters. 

BC Provincial Heat Alert and Response System (BC HARS): Implemented to address extreme heat events, BC HARS operates on a two-tier alert system to notify the public of escalating heat conditions. This system integrates data from Environment Canada to provide timely alerts and coordinate responses to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves. 

Emergency Management Framework: B.C.'s emergency management is guided by four pillars: Mitigation, Preparation, Response, and Recovery. This framework ensures a coordinated and organized approach to all emergency incidents and disasters, encompassing various weather-related emergencies. 

These initiatives are part of the province's broader strategy to enhance resilience against extreme weather events and promote public safety.



Sheri Regnier

About the Author: Sheri Regnier

Read more