The warming van, Lloydminster’s solution to a lack of warming shelter in the city will be back on the streets again this year as funding has been included in this year’s draft budget.
The city previously operated the van in 2025 with $99,950 approved for operation of the van. The total cost for 28 activations last year was $61,924 or 62 per cent of the overall budget. Administration is estimating the cost will be $120,900 for 45 activations for the upcoming winter season.
They are partnering with Lloydminster and Vermilion for Equity Foundation (LVE) to operate the van from Oct. 30 to March 31, 2026.
“Lloydminster & Vermilion for Equity has supported vulnerable residents in our community for the past five years,” said Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers. “Through their ongoing work and connection with residents, they bring valuable insight and understanding to this initiative.”
The warming van program will operate at night between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. when the temperature reaches -30 C with windchill. Van operation will include one member from the LVE team, one driver and one member of security.
In 2024, the city partnered with LVE to coordinate the service. A point of time homelessness count was also conducted last year and showed 60 unsheltered individuals residing in the community.
Council accepted the report as information at the Nov. 3 council meeting with it coming back as a budget item in the 2026 budget.
Read more: Warming van a success in Lloydminster
Price to operate seems quite high…how does it cost $2,200 a night to operate.