Kootenay East MLA Shypitka is calling for action for the community to come together and provide a space that can temporarily act as a warming centre.

“As we all know this province is in a dire housing crisis. This crisis becomes very real when it touches our local communities due to very high rental and costs to acquire a home that provides shelter from the elements. When the elements become extreme, as they are now, this reality becomes critical when we hear of an apparent recent death due to exposure,” Shypitka stated in a letter was sent out last night (Dec. 19) to City of Cranbrook Mayor Wayne Price, BC Housing and Community Connections.

“I know this is simply not acceptable for anyone and we need immediate solutions (within days) to go along with any mid to long-term fixes. Simply put, we need an immediate warming centre inside the municipality of Cranbrook for those most vulnerable who are falling through the cracks of what is available to those in need now,” he stressed.

“I had a conversation today with a resource worker and we are needing space for 10 to 15 individuals. These people have a really good chance of being exposed to very cold temperatures that will lead to frost bite, potentially amputation and possibly death. These are human beings in need of a place to keep warm just to survive. The time to act is now.

“Let’s put our collective minds together for an appropriate ‘temporary warming centre location’ to get us through the next month. Then we can focus on mid to long term solutions. I can also assist on local awareness to provide local funding to maintain this service,” Shypitka said, concluding, “I leave this letter open for all to share ideas immediately before we lose another resident.”

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