MLA Higginson Encourages Municipalities to Apply Now for 2026–27 Temporary Winter Shelters
PARKSVILLE – MLA Stephanie Higginson is encouraging municipalities and local non‑profits to prepare applications for next winter’s Temporary Winter Shelters (TWS), emphasizing that early action saves lives and strengthens community safety.
“When temperatures drop and the rain sets in, people without a safe place to sleep face real and immediate danger,” says Stephanie Higginson, MLA for Ladysmith – Oceanside. “Every winter, we see people sheltering in doorways, tents, or vehicles because there simply aren’t enough indoor options. We can change that — but it requires early planning and partnership.”
In 2025, 94 people were reported experiencing homelessness in Oceanside. Temporary Winter Shelters provide a critical lifeline during the cold season, typically operating from October 1 to April 30. Many run 24 hours a day and offer more than a warm bed: meals, hygiene services, and connections to supports that help people move toward long‑term housing.
Local governments, community partners, and the provincial government, through BC Housing, each have an important role in supporting and running temporary shelters in communities. The general steps to getting a Temporary Winter Shelter are:
- A municipality or a non-profit submits a proposal to BC Housing.
- Once the proposal is submitted, BC Housing works with the municipality and other potential community partners to figure out the details, like a confirmed site and estimated budget.
- Once those details are finalized, the municipality must approve and then grant a temporary use permit.
- Once opened, the province, through BC Housing, pays for the operation of the facility.
“This program works,” continues MLA Higginson, “Last winter, more than 1,260 Temporary Winter Shelter spaces opened across 33 communities in B.C. These spaces save lives, reduce strain on emergency services, and create pathways to long‑term housing.”
The Province provides operating funding for most shelters in B.C. and is ready to work with municipalities that want to move forward. But municipal approvals, community support, and available sites remain essential.
“Oceanside is a community where people look out for one another,” says MLA Higginson. “I hear from residents all the time who are concerned about our unhoused neighbours. If we want a winter shelter here next year, now is the time to act. May is the ideal month for municipalities to submit proposals for the coming winter.”
MLA Higginson emphasized that while shelters are not a long‑term solution, they are a necessary step toward stability for people experiencing homelessness. The Province continues to invest in affordable housing and supportive services, including projects like Orca Place in Parksville.
“But the simple truth is this,” added MLA Higginson, “If we don’t open shelters, more people will be forced to live on the street or in encampments. That doesn’t work for anyone, and we can do better.”
Residents who want to see a Temporary Winter Shelter in Oceanside next winter are encouraged to contact their local government representatives and the MLA’s office.
“Partnership is the key,” said MLA Higginson, “With community support and municipal leadership, we can ensure that no one in Oceanside is left out in the cold.”