B.C. funding 5,000 new shelter spaces ahead of winter
Posted October 27, 2023 4:11 pm.
The B.C. government announced funding toward 5,000 shelter spaces across the province on Friday as frigid winter weather makes its way into the forecast.
A release from the provincial government explains that temporary, permanent, and emergency response shelters are on the way. The 512 temporary facilities only operate seasonally and open on Nov. 1, while the permanent shelters are open year-round and 24 hours per day.
The province says extreme weather response shelters will be opening when local extreme weather alerts are issued — these will be available on standby until April 15, 2024.
The City of Vancouver issued an extreme weather warning earlier this week and responded by opening shelter spaces through Sunday night.
By Nov. 1, Vancouver will have 603 shelter spaces available, while Surrey is expected to have 429 ready.
Additional permanent shelters in northern B.C. may be on the way as well, as BC Housing looks to continue converting temporary sites.
If these shelters aren’t enough by the time cold winter weather rolls in and specific communities need more, the province says they can reimburse them for any costs associated with establishing warming centres.
