Temporary overflow shelter opens in Kitchener as cold weather arrives

A temporary overflow shelter has opened at the YWCA in Kitchener, just in time for colder weather.

Temperatures are expected to drop to -3 C on Saturday night, according to Environment Canada.

The region is anticipating an influx of people seeking emergency shelter during the colder months and has opened the temporary shelter for a second year in a row.

There are seven permanent shelters in Kitchener and Waterloo with a total of 245 beds. In the past, the region would put additional people into motels when all of the beds were filled.

The temporary site was first opened in January at St. Matthews Lutheran Church and housed about 50 people a night on average.

The new location at the YWCA at 84 Fredrick St., has 45 additional beds to accommodate the expected demand.

The temporary shelter opened on Nov. 1 will remain open until April.