The City of Regina has allocated $1.1 million in provincial funding to three community organizations to support the operation and expansion of warming spaces across the city. The investment reinforces essential frontline services and will help protect residents facing extreme cold during the winter months.

The funding, provided by the Government of Saskatchewan through its Provincial Approach to Homelessness (PATH) program, supports the launch of the new Seven Fires Warming Shelter and extended operating hours at Carmichael Outreach and Awasiw, a service operated by All Nations Hope Network.

“This investment supports community-led solutions identified by the City of Regina and its partners,” said Terry Jenson, Minister of Social Services. “By working together, we are expanding critical resources and delivering essential services to people who need them most. This funding is part of an additional $20 million provincial investment over three years, announced in November 2025, to strengthen homelessness services and improve supports for individuals experiencing homelessness across Saskatchewan.”

Extended Hours at Established Warming Spaces

Carmichael Outreach and Awasiw will continue operating warming spaces, as they have in previous years. With the added provincial funding, both organizations will be able to extend their hours of operation, reducing the amount of time individuals are exposed to dangerously cold conditions.

Located at 1510 12th Avenue and 2735 5th Avenue, the sites provide access to shelter, hot refreshments, programming, referrals, and community-based support services.

“I want to thank the Government of Saskatchewan for working with us to secure this critical funding,” said Chad Bachynski, Mayor of Regina. “Winters in Regina can be life-threatening, and we have a responsibility to ensure people have access to safe, warm spaces. While this funding addresses urgent needs, we recognize that more work remains. The City remains committed to collaborating with the province, community organizations, and Indigenous-led partners to advance long-term, sustainable solutions that promote dignity, safety, and pathways to housing.”

New Seven Fires Warming Shelter Opens Downtown

The funding has also enabled the opening of the Seven Fires Warming Shelter, operated by the Nēwo-Yōtina Friendship Centre. Located at 1635 11th Avenue, the new shelter offers immediate relief during extreme weather, including hot meals, snacks, coffee, and essential cold-weather supplies.

Beyond emergency support, the shelter provides wraparound services designed to help individuals move beyond crisis toward greater stability.

“We are thankful for this funding and the opportunity to operate the Seven Fires Warming Shelter,” said Teresa Innis, Executive Director of Nēwo-Yōtina Friendship Centre. “This space will provide a safe and welcoming environment during extreme cold while easing pressure on other shelters that are already operating at capacity. It reflects a shared commitment to caring for our community.”