Freezing temperatures over the next several days have prompted the Comox Valley Regional District Emergency Program to collaborate with its community partners to activate an Extreme Weather Warming Centre at the CVRD's Civic Room located at 770 Harmston Ave in Courtenay. This centre is preparing to be activated for four nights from 8 pm to 8 am (20:00-08:00) from December 26 - 29, 2021, based on a forecasted drop in temperature. The centre will be staffed with the appropriate personnel to ensure all proper safety precautions are adhered to. These facilities are wheelchair accessible.
The first principle of the BC Emergency Management System is to Ensure the Health and Safety of all Volunteers and First Responders. The second principle is to Save Lives which is what an Extreme Weather Warming Centre seeks to accomplish. 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. Funding for this activation is provided by the Province through Emergency Management BC.
The CVRD would like to thank our community partners, staff and volunteers who have taken time away from their families during the holiday season to support this emergency response.
The Comox Valley Regional District is a federation of three electoral areas and three municipalities providing sustainable services for residents and visitors to the area. The members of the regional district work collaboratively on services for the benefit of the diverse urban and rural areas of the Comox Valley.
Media Contact:
Howie Siemens
Manager, Emergency Programs
Tel: 250-334-6488
Email