As a winter storm including large snowfall amounts and below-freezing temperatures approaches B.C., the city is opening its temporary emergency warming centre.
The centre will be located at the Bonsor Recreation Complex (6550 Bonsor Ave) and open as of tomorrow evening (Dec. 24).
Operating hours will be 8:30 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily until extreme cold has passed. The centre is open to the public for those in need.
Other existing homeless services available in Burnaby include:
- Douglas Shelter - 2294 Douglas Rd.
- Emergency Response Centre - 3680 Sperling Ave.
- Extreme weather shelters - Southside Community Church (7135 Walker Ave.) and Westminster Bible Chapel (7540 6th St.)
"By opening this facility, the City is following through on the recommendations included in HOME: Burnaby’s Housing and Homelessness Strategy," the city said in a news release.
"The strategy, approved by council on December 6, 2021, includes a series of recommendations for preventing pathways into homelessness, supporting pathways out of homelessness, and supporting homeless-serving partners in Burnaby."
There are also two provincial shelters in operation at the following locations:
- Progressive Housing Society (2294 Douglas Rd.) - 26 spaces
- Temporary shelter - all clients 19+
- Lookout Housing and Health Society (7135 Walker Ave.) - 12 spaces
- EWR (extreme weather response) - all clients 19+
"We are once again facing the potential for extreme weather in our province," Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth said in the statement.
"It is imperative that we all watch the weather carefully and look out for those who are most vulnerable."
Environment Canada's forecast is currently calling for snow and rain starting Friday before turning into snow for Dec. 25, 26 and 27.
Daytime highs between 2 C and -4 C are expected with overnight lows between -1 C and -10 C.
