As snow piles up and the temperature drops, the Yukon government is reopening the daytime shelter at the Yukon legislative building on Nov. 4.
The old cafeteria on the lower level of the Jim Smith Building at 2071 2nd Ave. will once again transition into a warming centre, like it did for the first time this past spring.
The centre will run Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to a government press release.
Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee is quoted in the release saying that she looks forward to seeing Yukoners use the space and hearing their feedback on building a “vibrant” downtown.
Warming areas, harm reduction supplies, outreach services, free snacks and hot drinks, computers with internet access and printing, a phone, period products and washroom facilities will be on hand, as noted in the release.
Free bus tickets and monthly passes will become available later this season, per the release.
Experienced staff and a social worker will staff the community space.
“The Government of Yukon is dedicated to maintaining the highest safety standards for community members as well as staff working in the Jim Smith Building, with regular monitoring of public spaces such as entryways and bathrooms,” reads the release.
The release notes the initiative is part of the territorial government’s downtown safety response plan, which incorporates decentralizing services and improving access to essential services.
After the season, further evaluation will be conducted of the centre’s impact and how it can better meet the community’s needs.
In the meantime, the News has reached out to the health department to request any reports, assessments or evaluations done on the pilot project.
The cost is expected to be around $50,000 dollars, similar to the spring pilot project. The money will cover things like staffing, security and cleaning.
On Oct. 16, Annie Blake, the Yukon NDP MLA for Vuntut Gwitchin, put forward a motion in the legislative assembly urging the Yukon government to keep the warming centre open year-round.
Contact Dana Hatherly at dana.hatherly@yukon-news.com
