Additional shelter space and warming centers will be available through the weekend in Vancouver as freezing-cold Arctic air makes its way into the Lower Mainland.
The city has extended an extreme weather alert for Friday (Dec. 16) through Monday as temperatures are expected to feel at or below freezing for several days.
Beginning this weekend, the "coldest air on Earth" is expected to make its way across Alaska, down through the Yukon, and into southern British Columbia.
On Friday afternoon, Environment Canada issued a special weather statement warning of the drastic change in temperatures and possible snowfall.
Advocates say people experiencing homelessness are at an increased risk of suffering from life-threatening illnesses during extreme weather events. The Union Gospel Mission (UGM) has already been forced to turn away over 2,000 people in need of shelter this year — or roughly six people a day. In November, the DTES shelter at 601 East Hastings Street turned away 63 individuals seeking a warm bed, said UGM spokesperson Nicole Mucci.
Several shelters are offering additional spaces during the cold snap and additional warming centers will be available on Sunday and Monday.
Have a look at the shelters that will have additional space and the warming centres that will be open:
Find out more on Vancouver's shelter and winter response strategy page.
