Today the city launched a pilot project where it will provide "thermal shelters" to support people who find themselves outside when the weather gets cold.
"They're very simple in design, just a few pieces of thick foam that come together very quickly," said Colleen Cornock, the city's Community Safety Manager.
"They have the potential to increase the temperature inside between 15 and 18 degrees."
"I think it's a good idea," said Bob Foster Stevens.
He spoke to us outside his makeshift tent at the city's shelter-in-place area along the rail trail.
"Because then you don't have to use fire or candles. Less chance of burning things down. It's safer."
They are called Iglous.
They're made in Europe and the city has acquired 27 of them, thanks to BC Housing.
They work by keeping the person's body heat inside.
"Fully recognizing that they're not large. But they're not intended to be large because of the body heat and wanting to retain that," explained Cornock.
The shelters have been shown to people with experience sheltering outdoors, and she said the early reaction has been positive.
A show and tell for people sheltering outside is next.
"Working with our community partners and those that are residing outside," she said, "to go through the whole thing like we are today."
Cornock said the city recognizes this isn't a full solution for people who find themselves without a roof over their heads.
"We continue to advocate for housing," she said. Multiple levels of government for that."
In the meantime, look for thermal shelters to make an appearance the next time there's a cold snap.
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