The City of Regina has reversed its plans for its warming bus.
Starting Thursday at 9 p.m., a Regina Transit bus will be available as an overnight warming spot seven nights a week to help those who sleep outdoors. On Dec. 1, the service was suspended after the Awasiw Warming Place extended its hours after getting federal funding.
“The new warming space is at capacity, and the City warming bus is being reactivated to support the outstanding need in our community …,” the City of Regina said in a media release. “It will remain in operation until the number of available indoor overnight warming spaces is sufficient to provide warmth to all those in need.”
The bus will be available nightly from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m., at several locations downtown.
It will be at Mobile Crisis Services (1646 11th Ave.) at 9 p.m., 11 p.m., 1 a.m., 3 a.m., 5 a.m. and 7 a.m.
The bus also will visit Knox Metropolitan Church (2340 Victoria Ave.), the YWCA (1940 McIntyre St.), the Salvation Army Waterston Centre (1845 Osler St.) and Carmichael Outreach (1510 12th Ave.) at 10 p.m., midnight, 2 a.m., 4 a.m., 6 a.m., and 8 a.m.
The city said the locations and times could change in response to need. Changes will be shared directly with community-based organizations.
Regina Fire and Protective Services will conduct regular wellness checks and a community support worker from Regina Treaty/Status Indian Services (RT/SIS) will visit the bus at various times. As well, a bus driver and/or a security officer will be on board at all times.