As a deep freeze sets over the region, a new Cambridge overnight warming centre is announced

The Region of Waterloo announced Monday that a new overnight warming centre will open in Cambridge.

The Wesley United Church will be the space used, located at 6 Cambridge St.

Though details are limited about when the centre will open, it will run from 8 p.m to 8 a.m., and will have space for 30 men. 

The warming centre is a collaborative effort between the region and Porchlight Counselling and Addiction Services.

"We have a few things that we need to work on when it comes to the space and making sure that it's ready and prepared," explained Porchlight executive director Cameron Dearlove. "So we don't have an opening date yet but we're working toward opening basically as soon as possible."

The announcement comes after a point-in-time-count conducted in October 2024 found more than 2,300 people in the community are experiencing homelessness. The number has doubled in the past three years. 

"We need to make sure there are spaces where people can stay warm. There are lots of places where people can do that during the day but in the nighttime, there's a big gap in services," said Dearlove. 

Porchlight staff will be running the warming centre when it opens. 

"As part of the Plan to End Chronic Homelessness, the Region and community partners prioritized winter warming plans, including overnight warming spaces, which was supported by Regional Council and approved in the 2025 budget," reads a regional release.

Cold weather warning

Environment Canada issued an extreme cold warning Monday morning as a polar vortex will plunge Waterloo region and surrounding areas into a deep freeze until Wednesday. 

Warnings of its kind are issued when the temperature or wind chill is expected to reach –30° C for at least two hours. Waterloo region's warning will remain in effect until at least Tuesday.

"Our most vulnerable neighbours need options to stay warm during these cold months and thew new overnight centre in Cambridge will make a real difference for many people," said Regional Councillor Him Erb in the release. 

The release adds that more details will be shared when they are finalized. 

"Operating a warming centre furthers Porchlight's mission of providing safe spaces that support the emotional well-being of our community, as physical safety directly impacts emotional well-being," added Porchlight executive director Cameron Dearlove. 

2nd warming centre announced

On Friday, the region opened a new overnight warming centre in Kitchener. 

That centre is located at 298 Lawrence Ave., and opens daily from 7:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. 

There is space at that centre for 20 people and Thresholds Supports will staff and operate the space.

Thresholds Supports has received funding to run the centre for three months, though organizers say they plan to expand capacity after getting a better understand of what the community needs.