When planning the design of our new building, we couldn’t ignore the current and future effects of climate change, especially considering the impact that we want the building to have in the Downtown Eastside for generations to come.

Extreme weather like intense rain and flooding, severe cold snaps, oppressive heat domes, and wildfire smoke poses health risks for unsheltered community members. That’s why we made conscious decisions to incorporate climate resiliency into the design of the new building.

To deal with extreme temperatures, our new building will include a state-of-the-art HVAC system on the ground floor, which will allow it to serve as an official warming and cooling centre for up to 200 people. The temperature features will be accessible to community members, so they can seek refuge in what will be our entry hall, reception area, drop-in space, and dining hall. Our building will also have solar shading and a highly insulated building envelope to support energy efficiency and temperature control.

In the event of wildfire smoke, the system’s enhanced air circulation and filtration will enable our building to serve as a refuge for up to 470 people in the cooling centre, day sleeping room, sacred space, and several other rooms on levels two and three.