Resource
Local weather, shelter, and emergency information
![Sign directing to a cooling centre](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_1280/public/2024-12/cooling-centre_0.png?itok=e0QYF-X6)
This page offers essential information for weather-related emergencies, helping you stay safe when conditions become severe. Explore local shelter options and learn where to access official weather and emergency updates. Prepare yourself with the knowledge and resources to handle the challenges of extreme weather events.
Weather and emergency information
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Public weather alerts for British Columbia
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) weather alerts website including heat and air quality.
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Smartphone: WeatherCAN App
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) weather alerting app for smart phones with heat and air quality alerts.
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Telephone: Hello Weather
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) weather forecasts and alerts over the telephone.
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Email: EC Alert Me
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) weather alerts sent to your email inbox.
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AQMap outdoor air quality sensor map
Map of public outdoor air quality sensors. This map may provide more accurate local air quality information for rural/remote communities in British Columbia that are far away from government regulatory air quality sensors.
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BC Air Quality Health Index map
Map of government regulatory air quality sensors and guidance. This map provides good coverage of most urban areas in British Columbia but may not provide accurate local air quality information for rural/ remote communities.
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Metro Vancouver AirMap
Map of local air quality in the Metro Vancouver region and information on air quality advisories.
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Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)
Recommended actions to protect your health from wildfire smoke based on your current local air quality. Check the chart regularly because air quality can change quickly over time and space.
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EmergencyInfoBC
Find current and official information during emergencies in B.C.
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Local governments
Follow your local government’s website or social media for updates.
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First Nations
Follow your First Nation’s website or social media for updates.
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Regional health authorities
Follow the local health authority’s website and social media platforms for up-to-date emergency and health information.
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DriveBC
Know before you go. Plan your trip before leaving to make sure driving conditions are safe.
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Extreme heat shelters
During a heat warning (level 1 alert) or extreme heat emergency (level 2 alert), high indoor temperatures can be life-threatening. It is important to spend as much time as possible in cool spaces. When outdoor temperatures are high, even workplaces and homes can be dangerously hot inside and increase the risk of heat-related illness. Several cities and towns in the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) region operate cooling centres or share other public spaces to cool down (like libraries and community centres with air conditioning). Misting and water fill stations, splash parks, and other cooling supports may also be provided during a heat event.
The table below includes websites for some of the spaces within the VCH region where people can spend time during heat waves. Available supports or shelters may change quickly, be activated during an event, or be shared offline so options beyond this list may become available. Seek information from your local government or First Nation’s website or social media for the most up-to-date information in your community. Please email us if you would like to provide updated information.
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City of Vancouver
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City of Richmond
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North Shore Emergency Management
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City of North Vancouver
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District of North Vancouver
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District of West Vancouver
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District of Squamish
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Resort Municipality of Whistler
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Town of Gibsons
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City of Powell River
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qathet Regional District
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City of Vancouver
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City of Richmond
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North Shore Emergency Management
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City of North Vancouver
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District of North Vancouver
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District of West Vancouver
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District of Squamish
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Resort Municipality of Whistler
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Town of Gibsons
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City of Powell River
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qathet Regional District
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City of Vancouver
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City of Richmond
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North Shore Emergency Management
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City of North Vancouver
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District of North Vancouver
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District of West Vancouver
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District of Squamish
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Resort Municipality of Whistler
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Town of Gibsons
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City of Powell River
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qathet Regional District
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Wildfire smoke shelters
During an air quality advisory or alert, it is important to spend time in indoor spaces with filtered air. If your home does not have an air filtration system, you are not able to buy a portable air cleaner, or build a DIY box fan filter, try to spend time in community spaces with filtered air. Several cities and towns in the region operate dedicated cleaner air spaces during smoky periods or encourage people to use other public spaces with filtered air (like libraries and community centres).
The table below includes websites for some of the spaces within the VCH region where people can spend time during air quality advisories. Available supports or shelters may change quickly, be activated during an event, or be shared offline so options beyond this list may become available. Seek information from your local government or First Nation’s website or social media for the most up-to-date information in your community. Please email us if you would like to provide updated information.
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City of Vancouver
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North Shore Emergency Management
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Resort Municipality of Whistler
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City of Vancouver
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North Shore Emergency Management
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Resort Municipality of Whistler
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City of Vancouver
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North Shore Emergency Management
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Resort Municipality of Whistler
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Winter weather shelters
During winter weather events, some local governments, First Nations, and community organizations in the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) region operate shelters or encourage people to use other public spaces (like libraries and community centres) to safely warm up and avoid exposure to the cold. Some spaces are open overnight, and others are available during the day. More spaces may be available when risk increases due to cold, wind and/or precipitation.
The BCCDC provides public health recommendations to reduce the impacts of exposure to winter weather on people experiencing homelessness in British Columbia.
The table below includes websites for some of the spaces within the VCH region where people can spend time during winter weather events. Available supports or shelters may change quickly, be activated during an event, or be shared offline so options beyond this list may become available. Seek information from your local government or First Nation’s website or social media for the most up-to-date information in your community. Please email us if you would like to provide updated information. Always confirm with organizations directly if services or shelter spaces are currently available.
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City of Vancouver
Check City of Vancouver shelter and winter response webpage
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City of Richmond
See BC Housing shelter list for Richmond
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North Shore (City of North Vancouver, District of North Vancouver, District of West Vancouver)
North Shore Homeless Task Force resource map
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District of Squamish
District of Squamish facebook page
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Resort Municipality of Whistler
Check Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) facebook page
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District of Lillooet
Check Lillooet Friendship Centre Society webpage
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Town of Gibsons
Check Town of Gibsons webpage
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City of Powell River
Check BC Housing shelter list for Powell River
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District of Sechelt
Check BC Housing shelter list for Sechelt
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City of Vancouver
Check City of Vancouver shelter and winter response webpage
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City of Richmond
City of Richmond emergency shelters
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North Shore (City of North Vancouver, District of North Vancouver, District of West Vancouver)
See BC Housing shelter list for the North Shore
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District of Squamish
Squamish Helping Hands shelter and housing programs
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Resort Municipality of Whistler
Extreme weather shelter - Whistler Community Services Society
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District of Lillooet
Check Lillooet Friendship Centre Society webpage
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Town of Gibsons
Check Town of Gibsons webpage
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City of Powell River
Check BC Housing shelter list for Powell River
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District of Sechelt
Check BC Housing shelter list for Sechelt
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BC Housing Shelter Lists
All shelter types across the province
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BC211 Shelter lists
Metro Vancouver region
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Homelessness Services Association of BC Emergency Weather Shelters
Extreme Weather Response shelter information for Metro Vancouver region
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City of Vancouver
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City of Richmond
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North Shore Emergency Management
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City of North Vancouver
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District of North Vancouver
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District of West Vancouver
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District of Squamish
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Resort Municipality of Whistler
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Town of Gibsons
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City of Powell River
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qathet Regional District
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