The City of Vancouver has issued an extreme weather alert and activated extra shelter spaces, with chilly overnight temperatures expected this weekend.
Environment Canada has forecast a mix of sun and cloud, with a 30 per cent chance of showers, and a daytime high of 9°C for Saturday, but temperatures are expected to dip to a chilly 0°C at night and feel decidedly colder. Matt MacDonald, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, said with wind chill the temperature will feel more like -5.
Meanwhile, a mix of sun and cloud is forecast for Sunday, with daytime highs of 7°C and overnight lows of 3°C.
Due to the temperature dropping to feels like temperatures at or below 0°C, the city has issued an extreme weather alert through to March 1 and has activated a warming centre and extra shelter spaces to help people on the streets stay safe and warm.
The city will be opening a warming centre at Powell Street Getaway, 528 Powell St, which will be open from Friday, Feb. 28 to Sunday, March 1, between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.
The city asks that anyone sleeping outside “please come to the safety of the shelters.” The drop-in centre also accommodates pets, bikes, and carts, and offers hot beverages and snacks. No reservations are required to enter the warming centre.
Extra spaces have also been made available at a number of shelters in Vancouver including Directions Youth Services Centre (for youth 24 years and under), 1138 Burrard St, Evelyn Saller Centre, 320 Alexander Street, The Salvation Army Belkin House, 555 Homer St, Walton Hotel Amentiy Space, 261-B East Hastings St and Tenth Church, 11 10th Avenue West.
Residents can call 211 for shelter information.
