Kelowna, B.C. pilot project aims to keep the homeless warm during cold snaps

The City of Kelowna says, just using the occupants' body heat, the internal temperature in the thermal shelters can be 15 to 18 degrees warmer.

The City of Kelowna is taking a page out of Montreal’s book as it tries to find ways to keep homeless people warm during cold snaps.

The B.C. city is running a new thermal shelters pilot project.

Thanks to funding from BC Housing, Kelowna is getting 27 of the shelters, costing between $500 and $700 each.

The shelters come in two sizes to accommodate one or two people.

The city says just using the occupants’ body heat, the internal temperature in the shelters can be 15 to 18 degrees warmer.

“They have been used for this exact purpose in Montreal and internationally in Czechia. They are a lightweight foam. They are easy to put up, assemble, and take down. They are intended to be durable for this purpose,” said Cornock.

Kevin Schlemko, who is currently experiencing homelessness, believes the shelters could help.

He said he has been sleeping outdoors almost all winter, using just cardboard or blankets to try to keep himself warm.