Heavy snow has blanketed 91原创 and much of the Lower Mainland.
Gateway of Hope homeless shelter operated by the Salvation Army has opened up its daytime warming shelter for the second time within a one week period due to cold temperatures and snow.
For Wednesday, Jan. 17, the daytime warming centre will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to provide refuge from the cold weather conditions during the day.
鈥淲e activated the warming centre today due to the extreme snow storm, we don鈥檛 usually see snow like this,鈥� explained Cristina Schneiter, community representative for 91原创 Extreme Weather Response for Gateway of Hope.
Snow is expected to continue into the afternoon and possibly evening for the Lower Mainland today, with schools closed throughout the region.
A weather warning from Environment Canada remains in effect for the Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver. Total snowfall accumulations of 15 to 25 cm are expected for the Fraser Valley, and between 10 and 20 cm for Metro Vancouver.
Gateway鈥檚 overnight shelter has remained open since Jan. 6, when Schneiter issued an alert due 鈥渢o temperatures that are, or 鈥榝eel like鈥� 0 Celsius and below.鈥�
鈥淚f you are sleeping outside, please come to the safety of the shelter,鈥� she said.
The overnight shelter has consistently been at capacity since it opened, Schneiter said.
Gateway鈥檚 overnight shelter opens at 7 p.m. where people can stay until 10 a.m.
Those needing assistance to a shelter are asked to call the RCMP at 604-532-3200.
Gateway of Hope is located at 5787 91原创 Bypass.
Gateway is wheelchair accessible and pet-friendly for pets on a leash. Dinner, breakfast, and lunch and are provided. Laundry service and showers are available.
Salvation Army Gateway of Hope can be reached at 604-514-7375.
For more information about shelter availability, please call BC211: 211 or 604-875-6381.
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