Cold weather this week will bring challenges to Burnaby’s unhoused population

Burnaby is in for a cold spell this week, with snow on the way and a special weather statement issued for the region.

Environment Canada says sub-zero temperatures are expected for Metro Vancouver, including Burnaby, today and tomorrow. There could be “significant snowfall accumulations” tonight before rain is expected to begin Wednesday morning.

Carol-Ann Flanagan, executive director for the Burnaby Society to End Homelessness, told the Beacon the cold weather will bring challenges for the city’s unhoused population.

There are two overnight shelters that operate in Burnaby when the temperature dips below zero, and extreme weather responses have been activated, run by the Lookout Society.

From the 1st to the 15th of every month, there are about 40 shelter spaces available at the Neighbourhood Church (formerly the Southside Church) at 7135 Walker Ave. From the 15th to the 30th, about 20 spaces are available at Westminster Bible Chapel at 7540 6th St.

“They do get a hot meal, mats on the ground, a clean blanket. And in the morning, they get some kind of breakfast or coffee … They also get to meet with and speak with outreach workers,” Flanagan said.

Flanagan said the overnight shelters have opened for 24 nights since mid-October and have seen 190 spaces used—although some of those spaces may have been used by repeat visitors.

Men used 180 spaces, while 10 were used by women.

Flanagan said providers in Burnaby are concerned about how unhoused people will fare during the upcoming cold spell.

“We’re always very concerned. We have put out alerts to about 150 different service providers—the library and all of that— to put signs out to let [unhoused people] know where they can access a warm place to sleep and to get out of the elements during the day,” she said.

“Progressive Housing also has their hub on Sixth Street near 11th Avenue here in Burnaby where people from 9am-5pm can go in and be warm.”

Progresive Housing also runs an emergency 24/7 shelter at 2294 Douglas Rd. that can temporarily house up to 40 people.

Flanagan noted, however, that the availability of overnight shelter space in Burnaby is far from adequate to accommodate the city’s unhoused population. The city does not have a permanent warming shelter.

But along with a lack of physical spaces themselves, service providers are also struggling to find trained outreach workers who can staff the shelters and assist those in need.

Last year, the City of Burnaby opened up a temporary warming shelter at Bonsor Recreation Centre in response to an unprecedented cold spell that saw temperatures hit record lows. The Beacon has reached out to the city to inquire about its extreme weather response plan for this winter season.

Flanagan said increasingly frequent extreme weather events—both hot and cold—mean that demand for services has sharply spiked in recent years.

“I think most outreach organizations right now, we’re all feeling a little thinned out. Climate change is here. I think when I first moved to BC, almost 30 years ago, I didn’t even have a winter jacket. I had a fall jacket for most of the winter—and coming originally from Montreal, this was balmy weather. I can’t say that now. It is cold,” Flanagan said.

“I was actually comparing Monday morning’s weather with Montreal’s weather and we weren’t that far apart. So yeah, we’re all trying to do the best we can to serve our unhoused [community].”

Burnaby residents can help by donating winter supplies like hats, coats, and gloves, or by making a financial contribution to the Burnaby Society to End Homelessness. Flanagan also suggested getting in touch with Progressive Housing if you are able to contribute to meal programs.