Battleford's homeless shelter is open 24/7 for those in need. (File photo/battlefordsNOW)

By Alyssa Rudolph

winter reminders

Cold weather prompts renewed reminders as homeless residents risk dangerous exposure

Dec 4, 2025 | 12:28 PM

As winter blankets the Battlefords, officials warn of the effects of extreme temperatures and encourage the use of the community’s homeless shelter.

Miwasin Kikinaw, the homeless shelter, provides a warm area for anyone needing a place to stay through their intake and warm-up shelter. However, the shelter coordinator said sometimes people insist on leaving and exposing themselves to cold winter weather.

“If they leave, we can’t make them stay, but we will tell them, ‘Are you sure you want to go out, it’s cold outside?” said Pearl Little.

Fire Chief Lindsay Holm said the best thing homeless people can do is take advice from the shelter and remain warm indoors.

“Being out in those extreme temperatures, it doesn’t take very long for you to start suffering from symptoms of hypothermia.”

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Winter temperatures can affect people in many different ways. Individuals who have diabetes or conditions that affect blood circulation, elderly people, children, and people taking medication can experience frostbite more quick than usual.

Holm said the fire department is always concerned about the homeless being exposed. That’s why they have a cold-weather strategy where they deploy a rehab bus when the temperature is below -30c for an extended period of time. The bus is staffed with firefighters and community safety officers who help to treat people who may be suffering from hypothermia or affected by extreme temperatures.

“We will invite them into our bus and allow them to have some time in there to warm up. We also provide them with coffee or hot soup. We’ll provide them with a set of mitts and toques to try and keep the elements off of them,” said Holm.

During times when the rehab bus is not deployed, people are strongly encouraged to visit the homeless shelter. The shelter has room to take in 20 people in the men’s dorm and 9 in the women’s. However, Little said if needed they can place people into an overflow.

“If we were to ever be at max capacity, we would not turn anyone away. We would make room for them as we have more than enough mats and bedding.”

The shelter provides warm winter clothing to people but is currently in need of large sized winter jackets for men and women. Donations can be dropped off at the front door of Miwasin Kikinaw.

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alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com