Four warming centres have opened up across pockets of downtown, the West End and in East Vancouver as the mercury continues to hover near freezing.
The four locations were opened Monday and extended to Tuesday (Dec. 4) as well. Extensions will continue should the temperatures reach -5 C or below, or if it feels like -5 C or below.
The four centres include:
- Britannia Community Centre – 1739 Venables St. (Tuesday, Dec. 4, 9 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.)
- West End Community Centre – 870 Denman St. (Tuesday, Dec. 4, 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.)
- Powell Street Getaway – 528 Powell St. (Tuesday, Dec. 4, 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.)
- Vancouver Public Library – 350 West Georgia St. (Tuesday, Dec. 4, 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.)
Those using the warming centres can bring their pets, bikes and carts with them. Hot drinks and snacks will be available and those with their own bedding can sleep at the centre.
Up to 100 people accessed the warming centres on any open night in 2017, according to a news release from the city.
Community centres and other public buildings are also available during their opening hours as spaces to warm up.
The city and province have opened additional shelter space for the winter months since 2009. This year, nearly 300 temporary beds are available. Those looking for shelter space can call 2-1-1 to check availability.
