A warming space for those in need will remain open as cold temperatures continue.
The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) Emergency Program will be extending the hours of its Extreme Weather Warming Centre at its Civic Room at 770 Harmston Ave. in Courtenay.
The centre was supposed to close on Dec. 29, but will now be open until Jan. 1 because of the continued cold weather. Its hours will be from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., according to the CVRD.
The district says the area is staffed so that safety precautions can be adhered to and is wheelchair accessible. They hope to save lives during the cold snap.
“Access to a warm and dry space could be the difference between life and death for those who are under-housed and for people experiencing homelessness during extreme weather,” said the district in a press release.
The CVRD says the first principle of the BC Emergency Management System is to keep volunteers and first responders healthy.
Funding for the centre has been provided by the province through Emergency Management BC.
