Chilly temperatures have prompted the opening of the extreme weather shelter at Trinity United Church in Port Coquitlam.
Sandy Burpee, who coordinates the program, said five men and two women spent the night on Tuesday evening.
When temperatures drop below zero, Burpee initiates the emergency response, which makes mats available, along with a hot meal and breakfast for people who can’t get into the Coquitlam shelter at 3030 Gordon Ave. because it is full.
Burpee said he expected the emergency shelter would be open for several more days while the temperatures remain cold.
“The current Environment Canada forecast shows no end to the cold weather in sight over the forecast period, and I expect shelter occupancy will increase as word gets around that Trinity is open,” Burpee told The Tri-City News in an email.
