Fort St. John Lacks Warming Centres Amid Plunging Winter Temperatures
The city of Fort St. John, located in northeast British Columbia, is currently facing severe winter conditions. Temperatures are expected to plunge below –30°C, with a forecast low of –33°C and wind chills reaching as low as –40°C. Environment and Climate Change Canada warns that frostbite can occur within minutes under these conditions.
Absence of Warming Centres in Fort St. John
Despite the harsh cold, Fort St. John has no official warming centres available for residents. The city administration stated that the responsibility for such centres lies with the provincial government. Ryan Harvey, the communications manager for the city, confirmed via email that previous funding was used to operate a warming shelter in collaboration with local community partners. However, that shelter closed in 2024 after Northern Health took over operations temporarily.
Northern Health clarified that while it aimed to maintain services for the community, warming centres are not part of its regular mandate. Additionally, the health authority noted that it is not eligible for funding to reopen a warming centre in the area.
Emergency Management Resources
According to the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, Fort St. John is eligible for cost reimbursement when opening warming centres. Reimbursements can occur in response to extreme weather alerts issued by Environment Canada, such as warnings and advisories. However, currently, no extreme weather warnings are in effect for the Fort St. John region.
Community Initiatives to Combat the Cold
In the absence of city-run warming centres, a grassroots initiative called Warm Welcome is making efforts to help those in need. Founded by Kristen Goold, this initiative provides a warming fire, winter clothing, hot drinks, and support two days a week in a downtown parking lot.
A Community-Focused Approach
Goold understands the struggles of homelessness, having faced her own challenges while living out of her car in Kelowna in 2022 due to high rental prices. Now, securely housed, she is dedicated to giving back to the community that supported her during hardship. Warm Welcome operates on donations, offering pizzas, hand warmers, and snacks.
- Two days a week offering winter support
- Community donations help sustain the initiative
- Hot drinks and warm clothing are distributed
As temperatures drop, Goold indicated that the initiative has evolved into a more self-service model, allowing individuals to help themselves to warm drinks. Volunteers also gather around the fire for warmth, reinforcing the spirit of community support and collaboration.
The residents of Fort St. John are encouraged to seek out available community resources as they cope with the severe winter weather. While city facilities are open during operational hours, the need for a dedicated warming centre remains a significant concern.
