Extreme cold weather prompts Metro Vancouver warming centres, additional shelters to open

“Don’t leave them laying on the ground.” B.C. homeless advocates are asking the public not to leave someone who has potentially overdosed or is freezing to death alone on the sidewalk. Ashley Burr reports.

Metro Vancouver is in for another night of extremely cold weather, with special statements and a wind warning issued for the region. The cold snap is also affecting the Fraser Valley and Howe Sound, with overnight temperatures feeling close to an unseasonable -10.

Conditions in southeastern B.C. are expected to ease slightly by later Tuesday and chilly temperatures over the inner south coast should lift by Wednesday night or early Thursday.

These freezing cold temperatures it can be life-threatening for those experiencing homelessness so extreme weather response shelters funded by BC Housing are available.

Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam and Abbotsford have opened additional spaces:

Coquitlam

Abbotsford

 

In addition to the BC Housing and BC 211 shelters, those hoping to stay warm in the day can find warming centres across the region:

Vancouver

Surrey

Cloverdale


Guildford


Fleetwood


Newton

South Surrey

Whalley/City Centre

Abbotsford

Burnaby

Coquitlam

North Vancouver

  • All of the City’s library, community centres and other public buildings are available
  • North Shore Homelessness Task Force resource map and list

Richmond

Victoria

With files from The Canadian Press

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