Project Overview
The City of Quesnel is committed to improving the safety and well-being of all residents during periods of extreme cold weather. Populations such as unhoused community members and seniors are the most vulnerable to extreme cold conditions. In August 2025, the City engaged the consultants at LevelUp Planning Collaborative to develop a comprehensive Extreme Cold Weather Plan tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of Quesnel.
The main objective of this project is to create a practical, community-focused response plan that identifies warming centre locations, the agencies involved, and resources necessary to protect those most at risk during harsh winter conditions.
Why This Work Matters
Quesnel’s northern climate brings sustained cold and snowy conditions each winter. Exposure to these temperatures can be harmful to anyone’s health, but is especially hazardous and potentially life-threatening for people who lack adequate shelter, clothing, and supplies, or who have existing medical or mental health challenges.
Vulnerable individuals—including people experiencing poverty, those unable to heat their homes, outdoor workers, older adults, people with limited mobility or disabilities, infants, and children—face increased risks during extreme cold. The City recognizes the importance of a coordinated response to ensure all residents have access to safe shelter and appropriate supports
Project Timeline
- Phase 1 (August – October): Project kick-off, background document and policy review, and environmental scan
- Phase 2 (September – January): Targeted community engagement through both virtual and in-person activities.
- Phase 3 (January – March): Development and finalization of the Extreme Cold Weather Plan
Community Engagement
LevelUp Planning Collaborative, in partnership with the City, is actively engaging key individuals and organizations throughout Quesnel to inform the plan’s development. Engagement methods include interviews and outreach to community organizations, and regular meetings with an Advisory Committee that will provide guidance and feedback.
Those involved include:
- City staff and elected officials
- Organizations currently supporting Quesnel’s cold weather response
- Emergency response and shelter providers
- Groups supporting vulnerable populations
- Individuals most impacted by cold weather—the people seeking shelter
Expected Outcomes
By March 2026, the City of Quesnel will receive a robust Extreme Cold Weather Plan. This plan will:
- Outline strategies to address cold weather-related risks
- Define temperature thresholds and corresponding actions
- Clarify notification procedures when cold weather alerts are issued
- Detail processes for activating and deactivating warming centers
Importance of warming centers
Extreme cold weather affects everyone but is especially critical for those without shelter or the means to keep their homes warm. Providing emergency warming centres is a key life-saving response for Quesnel residents. Without these supports, the health and safety risks—including potentially fatal outcomes—are significantly higher for vulnerable members of our community.
The City is strategically targeting engagement efforts to ensure that those with direct responsibilities and those most affected by cold weather are meaningfully involved in shaping the response plan.