Places to get out of the cold
Regina’s warming spaces are reopening for the winter season, giving residents who need shelter from the cold more places to go as temperatures drop. The City of Regina says the seasonal network begins operating Sunday, Nov. 1, with daytime access available through city facilities, Regina Public Library branches and participating community organizations.
The services are reopening at a time when the need for indoor space may be especially visible. The city recently dismantled a large encampment in Core Community Park, saying the presence of fires at the site created a safety concern. That action has put renewed attention on where people without stable housing can go during the day and overnight, particularly as winter conditions become more difficult.
Daytime options are spread across the city’s public network and participating organizations. The city has directed residents to its website for the current list of locations and operating hours, which may vary by facility. The arrangement is intended to provide places where people can warm up without relying on one single site.
- Daytime: City facilities, Regina Public Library branches and selected community organizations.
- Overnight: Carmichael Outreach, the Newo-Yotina Friendship Centre and Awasiw.
- Funding: The city distributes $1.1 million in provincial money to groups operating and expanding warming spaces.
Overnight services operate at three sites
Overnight warming is available at Carmichael Outreach on 12th Avenue, the Newo-Yotina Friendship Centre on 11th Avenue and Awasiw on Fifth Avenue. The city says Awasiw has already opened its space and operates for 23 hours a day, closing during the noon hour.
| Service | Location or coverage |
|---|---|
| Daytime warming | City facilities, library branches and community organizations |
| Overnight warming | Carmichael Outreach, Newo-Yotina Friendship Centre and Awasiw |
| Awasiw schedule | 23 hours daily, with a noon-hour closure |
The city’s financial support comes from provincial funds, with $1.1 million distributed to groups responsible for operating and expanding the spaces. The funding structure places community organizations at the centre of the response, while the city provides information about access points across Regina.
Fire concerns remain part of winter response
The reopening follows warnings from Regina Fire Chief Layne Jackson about the hazards associated with open flames and fuel sources in outdoor shelters. He said cold weather can increase the likelihood of fires at encampments, where people may turn to improvised ways of staying warm.
“What we can confirm is a pattern of folks bringing open flame devices and open fires into their tents, along with compressed gases such as propane, which creates a very, very dangerous and imminent situation.”
Those concerns were cited after the Core Community Park encampment was dismantled. The city’s decision has drawn attention to the balance between fire safety and access to shelter, while the warming-space network offers designated indoor locations during the colder months. For residents seeking a place to warm up, the city says location details and hours are available through its website.
