Despite a record-cold weekend in Kamloops, shelter spaces were actually used less than normal according to city staff.

Acting supervisor of social development Ty Helgason says Emerald Centre, The Branch and The Mustard Seed all had emergency cold-weather beds open.

“Although, logically, it would make sense to see the numbers go up as it got colder out, the shelters reported they did see some new faces but they also saw a few discharges. And I believe, on the whole, the numbers were slightly lower. I think it might correlate with cheque day for people who are receiving assistance. That could explain it partially.”

Helgason says Memorial Arena did not need to be used. It has had 50 shelter beds available since May but none been used at any point.

On Sunday night, the temperature dropped to minus-11.4 degrees in Kamloops, a record-low for Oct. 25. Temperatures were below freezing on Saturday, Sunday and Monday nights.

“Someone sleeping outdoors or sleeping rough who would like to access shelter services, it’s preferable if they present at Emerald Centre, the main shelter in town. They can either be offered a bed there, or be sent to (The Branch) on Royal Avenue. Or alternativelty, The Mustard Seed mat program is up and running at this time.”

The Mustard Seed on Victoria Street West typically doesn’t open its cold weather shelter until later in the winter, but Helgason explains it’s been open through the spring and summer, as an overflow during the pandemic so other shelters can space out sleeping spaces.