Emergency responders, shelter want cold weather strategy in Yorkton; City open to committee
A new homeless shelter in Yorkton has shown the need for more warm-up locations in the city, along with the possible implementation of a cold weather strategy.
That’s according to multiple agencies dealing with Yorkton’s vulnerable community, with Yorkton Mayor Mitch Hippsley open to exploring its options.
“A committee is a really good idea. If we have enough interest, we would certainly look at that,” he told CTV News Wednesday.
Angela Chernoff is the shelter coordinator at Bruno’s Place, and said on weekends, the shelter has been full. Typically during the week, two to six individuals are housed at the shelter.
However, as the cold kicks in, it’s created added needs for the vulnerable community.
Chernoff said a cold weather strategy would be helpful, specifically with one resource to help out.
“I would like to see definitely a map put out. Something online that people can just look up and go, ‘Here’s the safe locations where you can go and warm up,’” she said.
RCMP said prior to Bruno’s Place opening, it would have to serve individuals by going through Social Services to get them a room and a warm meal.
Yorkton Detachment Commander Sgt. Burton Jones added that the shelter’s presence has changed the way his officers deal with these situations.
“With Bruno’s Place, it kind of fills that void, right? It's a warm place for them to go, where they can get a place to sleep but also a place to get something to eat,” he said.
EMS has not seen major issues early on this year, but they are preparing for it, according to Kelly Prime, Crestvue Ambulance Paramedic Chief.
He said his teams have dealt with everything, from minor frostbite to serious, life-altering conditions caused by the cold.
“We've seen some severe cases where it’s led to amputations. People have gone out in clothes, like in the minus 50 weather and have walked a far distance to try to get to shelter, and then needed EMS and needed police,” Prime said.
Moving forward, Bruno’s Place, along with Crestvue and Yorkton RCMP believe a cold weather strategy would be beneficial to all those in the community.
With added pressures of inflation, to a lack of hospital capacity, it is all creating additional needs for first responders, and those within Yorkton’s most vulnerable.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.