The City of Vancouver is opening three warming centres Jan. 7 to deal with dropping temperatures.
The following locations will be open tonight:
- Britannia Community Centre: 1739 Venables St. between 9 p.m. and 8:30 a.m.
- West End Community Centre: 870 Denman St. between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Powell Street Getaway: 528 Powell St. between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.
They are opened when the temperature reaches -5°C or below or it feels like -5°C or below. The centres welcome all, and visitors can bring their pets, bikes and carts with them. Hot drinks and snacks will be available, and those with their own bedding may choose to sleep at the centre.
Community centres and other public buildings are also available during their opening hours as spaces to warm up.
The Overdose Prevention Society at 58 East Hastings St. will extend its hours and operate from 11 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. on the nights that the warming centres are open.
Last year, up to 100 people took advantage of the warming centres on any open night, according to the City of Vancouver.
The city has worked with the provincial government since 2009 to open additional shelter space for the winter months. This year, nearly 300 temporary beds are available. The province also opens Extreme Weather Response shelters in Vancouver when the temperature drops to 0 degrees. Those looking for shelter space can call 211 to check availability.
