'Mechanical issues' preventing Regina's Carmichael Outreach from expanding warming centre hours
Regina’s Carmichael Outreach says mechanical issues will keep the facility from being able to expand its emergency warming centre hours for the foreseeable future.
Beginning Tuesday, Carmichael was set to make its warming centre available to those in need from 7:30 p.m. until 7:30 a.m. seven days per week until the end of May.
However, according to Executive Director Tyler Gelsinger, the building currently does not have a sufficient natural gas service that would allow the appropriate flow of gas to keep the building warm for both its regular hours and the recently announced extended hours.
“We are working actively with SaskEnergy at this time to just get the problem resolved, no price tag has been passed along or anything like that,” he told CTV News.
“Previous operations gave us some downtime to allow the lines to fill but because we are in constant use, we have no heat, hot water, or even gas for the kitchen,” development coordinator Chrysta Garner said in a news release on Tuesday.
Garner said that last week Carmichael experienced a similar situation that forced them to shut down after lunch in order for them to be operational in the evening. For now, the shelter will be making efforts to ensure they can keep their current hours of operation.
“To conserve power, we are reducing to sandwiches and pasta salads for the week because with the centre being open in the evening now our consumption has gone up. So we are trying to conserve as much energy as possible so we can stay open in the evening,” Gelsinger explained.
The warming centre initially opened on Jan. 23 following a $300,000 grant from the City of Regina and was meant to replace a city transit bus that was being utilized as a warming shelter.
However, staff at Carmichael are optimistic that the current bumps in the road will not hinder their ability to continue as a warming shelter.
“What happened was no fault of ours,” Gelsinger added. “They just have the wrong part on our gas line and they just have to come in and fix it so we’re actively working with them to get that done.”
The warming centre can hold approximately 60 people. Its regular hours of 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. were announced when the shelter opened last month.
The warming shelter will continue to be open from 11 p.m. until 7 a.m. each day, with Carmichael Outreach also open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Essentially it is just a place for people just to warm up and rest at the tables that we provide,” Gelsinger said at the initial opening in January.
“It’s just a little gathering spot for people.”
In a statement to CTV News, SaskEnergy said it could not comment on any specific case in order to protect customer privacy.
However, the Crown did explain that upgrading existing services to meet changing demand for natural gas is a regular occurance.
"SaskEnergy gas meters are designed to meet customer capacity at the time of installation," the statement read. "When additional gas is required at a property, existing services may require an upgrade to accommodate the increased gas requirements. SaskEnergy regularly works with customers to determine the best solution to meet future capacity needs."
-- With files from Wayne Mantyka.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.