"But a homeless advocacy group says the move would put people back onto the street in dangerously cold conditions."

The "homeless advocacy group" seems to simply have a vested interest in keeping these people homeless.  Would it not be a great time (freezing cold) to nudge these homeless people (a) into programs and services giving them mental health, addiction, and long term residential support services, and (b) getting these poor people out of the city with the most expensive housing costs in Canada?

I'm sorry, but warming up a drug addicted person suffering from mental illness over a cold night does nothing at all to help them escape from the virtual slavery of begging for change, petty theft, and addiction.

The government should buy buildings outside of the GVRD and ship them there for housing, treatment, and mental health.  Giving them one more night to survive on the streets does nothing.  You may as well let them die and end their misery.