File photo (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

EXTREME WEATHER RESPONSE

CMHA’s extreme weather response remains active with extra beds made available throughout the community

Dec 1, 2025 | 4:55 PM

KAMLOOPS — On Friday (Nov 28), an Extreme Weather Alert was issued for Kamloops, activating emergency shelter beds throughout the community.

As temperatures have remained below zero, and with snow falling across the city, that declaration remains in effect. For CMHA Kamloops, it means extra beds at Emerald Centre, Rosethorn House and the Merit Place shelter.

“Basically, situation normal in Kamloops is we are all at capacity all the time,” said Brett Mineer, CMHA Kamloops communications and engagement coordinator. “One thing I hear is, ‘If you can find places for them in these circumstances, how come that isn’t the normal?’ Well it’s because when I say, ‘Find places for them,’ it’s an emergency situation. It’s an all-hands-on-deck situation. The cots or the mats or whatever are being set up in whatever bit of spare space that exists.”

“It’s really just to reduce the risk of them potentially freezing to death. The important part is just getting them inside and you will put them wherever you can put them.”

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Once extreme weather response hits, CMHA finds places anywhere to ensure nobody is left out in the cold. However, even with the Envision shuttle circulating and offering a warm bed, not everybody takes them up on the offer.

“Just because they are not necessarily coming to shelter, we know where they are, Envision Outreach knows where they are, where to find them and we are able to kind of keep tabs and keep and eye on them,” said Mineer. “It is, again, a point of contact and these points of contact can be so crucial in extreme weather.”

With the extreme beds being placed within existing facilities for CMHA, it means those facilities can remain open 24/7, preventing individuals from being sent back into the cold during the daytime hours.

With the temperatures dropping, CMHA is also asking for any help with donations of warm clothing or blankets, noting it was a slow year for donations.