City of Hamilton launches winter response strategy

The City of Hamilton is launching its winter response strategy on Friday to help those experiencing homelessness stay warm as temperatures drop.

The strategy goes into effect on the first day of December, lasting until the end of March next year, and includes several different measures to provide warm spaces to unhoused individuals.

A designated HSR warming bus will be offered free of charge nightly from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. for anyone who needs to get out of the cold. It will be stopping at 15 different locations throughout the city.

The strategy also sees some recreation centres in the city stay open later.

In the winter, Hamilton recreation centres already act as warming places during regular business hours, but three locations will see extended hours into the evening.

Westmount Recreation Centre, Valley Park Recreation Centre and Norman Pinky Lewis Recreation Centre will all be open until 11:30 p.m. seven days a week, and from 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on statutory holidays.

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An additional 80 overnight warming spaces will be made available as well, with 35 spaces opening up at Mission Services Men’s Shelter and 45 spaces at Willow’s Place where all women, trans, and non-binary people are welcome.

The City says Living Rock Ministries and Christ’s Church Cathedral will each offer an additional 50 daytime drop-in spaces available year round.

The strategy also sees operational washroom facilities open 24-hours at J.C. Beemer Park on Victoria Avenue North and Corktown Park on Ferguson Avenue South.

Mayor Andrea Horwath says the winter response strategy reflects the City’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of unhoused individuals during the winter season.

“We’re committed to ensuring those who need more supports and options to keep warm during the harsh winter months will have those available to them,” Horwath said.

It’s so important that everyone is kept safe and warm during the coming winter months. Glad to see the launch of the City’s Winter Response Strategy as we continue to expand our efforts to address the homelessness crisis in our city. For more info go to https://t.co/iU3PtwXvk8 pic.twitter.com/8t9RzV6S8f

— Andrea Horwath (@AndreaHorwath) November 28, 2023

For more information about the strategy, including a full list of stops for the nightly warming bus, visit the City of Hamilton’s website here.