Working underway to open Ottawa ‘warming centres’ to house fire victims, others left in the cold

A pair of Ottawa city councillors are looking for city funding in order to help a group of people, displaced by a fire last spring, as well as others who may need places to sleep when winter hits.

Roughly a dozen people have set up a temporary housing situation outside Bayview Station, after their rooming house was destroyed by a fire in April. 

This summer, the individuals were living on the streets, but with winter approaching, they moved to the woods.

Kitchisippi Councillor Jeff Leiper says it's not a good situation because it's getting colder.

“It's becoming more of a concern for their safety,” explained Leiper.

He says they are working with social service agencies to open up 'warming centres.'

“Hopefully we're able to find a church or another organization that is willing to open up on a very temporary basis — a place where they can sleep overnight and stay warm.”

The city councillor adds that shelters in the area are already full, and they're trying to find a spot where these individuals can sleep indoors, while staying within their community.

Leiper and fellow councillor Catherine McKenney are looking for city funding that can “hopefully be found within existing budgets” to make this happen. 

Overdose Prevention Ottawa have provided a list of supplies that the group would greatly appreciate.

The list can be found here.