The City of Regina is bringing back its warming bus after it closed its doors earlier this week.
The bus was suspended on Monday after an overnight warming centre received federal funding to open its doors.
It is now being reopened as a critical shortage of overnight warming spaces, and cold temperatures pose a life-threatening risk to those who sleep outdoors.
The City said it would remain in operation until the number of available indoor overnight warming spaces is sufficient to provide warmth to all those in need.
“We have feedback that Awasis is at capacity in North Central, and we will continue to monitor that, but we had a chat with Mobile Crisis earlier this week, and they see a real need over in the heritage district,” said Mayor Sandra Masters.
The warming bus will operate nightly from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m., but the City noted bus locations and times might change, but it is set to visit:
- Knox Metropolitan Church at 2340 Victoria Avenue
- YWCA at 1940 McIntyre Street
- Salvation Army Waterston Centre at 1845 Osler Street
- Carmichael Outreach at 1510 12 Avenue
The City also said that Regina Fire and Protective Services would conduct regular wellness checks, and a community support worker from Regina Treaty/Status Indian Services (RT/SIS) would attend the bus at various times with a bus operator and/or a security officer will be on board at all times.
