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Cranbrook, BC (December 22, 2022) -- The recent public statement by local organizations regarding two or more deaths in Cranbrook due to exposure to the cold (for lack of homeless shelter space) made in December 2022 is false.

There have not been any deaths due to exposure to cold in Cranbrook during this weather event. This information is fact-checked, and has been confirmed by both Interior Health and the BC Coroner Service, and is accurate as of today (December 22, 2022). 

Making false public statements about deaths and insinuating their causes distresses residents and discredits the City of Cranbrook and the people and organizations working hard to support the homeless population. This behaviour is disappointing and unnecessary as the community works together to help those in need.

Thank you to the many groups, organizations and individuals for their giving and ongoing support of our vulnerable population during this time.

BC Housing through Community Connections and the Travelodge provides shelter space for the vulnerable population, including cold weather. Since the opening of the warming centre at the Alliance Church, ten individuals have used the space available to get out of the cold.  Six individuals used the space on Tuesday, December 20, and four individuals used the space on Wednesday, December 21, 2022.

The City, along with our community partners remain concerned about the impact of the cold on our vulnerable population this winter.  We will actively monitor the weather conditions through the winter months and continue to offer our support to third-party groups and non-profit organizations in order to provide warming centres and spaces as necessary for those who may need it.