Slideshow image

In the absence of a more permanent solution for the city of Parksville and surrounding areas, our church is opening our doors, in cooperation with the RDN, for an overnight warming centre for the Oceanside area. Please see the public notice here: https://www.rdn.bc.ca/notice-2025-01-31-0

THE DETAILS

When: Sunday, February 2 to Wednesday, February 5. For times and shuttle service, please visit https://www.rdn.bc.ca/emergency-shelter

Where: Oceanside Community Church, 1420 Alberni Hwy (in our multipurpose room; use separate west entrance)  

What is Provided? Some food, washroom facilities, some supplies, and most of all warmth.

How Can I Help? Although some funds are being provided, including coverage for staffing and security, hosting the warming centre involves several expenses for the church, including keeping our building warm and heated 24/7 over this very cold stretch.

We are anticipating higher than usual hydro and heating expenses. If you’d like to help, we ask that you give to our general fund to cover these and other costs so that we can continue to operate and offer our space in order to provide this and other life-saving services to our community.  

You may e-transfer giving@oceansidecc.ca or visit https://oceansidecc.ca/give

Who Can I Contact with Questions?
The shelter is being organized by the RDN and they are the first point of contact. The church is partner and host, but can be reached at info@oceansidecc.ca or 250.248.5333. Please do not drop off item donations until confirming they are needed.

------------------------

Summary info from RDN:

Warming Centre Dates & Times:

• Sunday, February 02 from 7 p.m.  to 7 a.m., 
• Monday, February 03 from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. 
• Tuesday, February 04, from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.
 
Please note the later opening of the warming centre on Monday and Tuesday due to facility access restrictions. To ensure no gap in provision of a warm space, the City of Parksville has extended the hours of the municipal hall lobby to be open to 10pm on Monday and Tuesday. Our thanks to the City of Parkville.

Additionally, we have worked with RDN Transit for provision of shuttle services starting at Parksville City Hall with stops at Salvation Army - Oceanside Health Centre - Oceanside Community Church. Multiple round trips will be provided during shuttle service.
 
Shuttle service to/from the warming centre is as follows: 

• Sunday from 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., with return trips Monday morning from 6:45 a.m. to 7:15 a.m. 
• Monday from 9:45 p.m. to 11:45 p.m., with return trips Tuesday morning from 7:45 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. 
• Tuesday from 9:45 p.m. to 11:45 p.m., with return trips Wednesday morning from 7:45 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.