Warming Centres
Location Changes and Services Extended
In order to continue to ensure the City meets the needs of people who are homeless in Burnaby while also complying with current British Columbia Centre for Disease Control social-distancing recommendations with respect to COVID-19, the City is changing accommodation locations for some Burnaby warming centres.
The changes are:
- Burnaby Lake Arena (at 3677 Kensington Avenue) will open on March 26 (at 8 p.m.), with operating hours from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily
- Beresford Warming Centre will continue to operate until further notice
Patrons attending the existing centres have been advised of the changes on site at the currently operating warming centres (by staff and on signage). On the day after each centre closure, staff will be on site to ensure that if anyone attempts to attend a closed centre, that person is redirected to the new centre and provided with transportation to reach the new centre at Burnaby Lake Arena.
Public agencies who assist citizens experiencing homelessness have been advised of these changes and will continue to help ensure that people who need shelter are directed to the appropriate locations for this service.
The City of Burnaby’s warming centres program provides overnight shelter for vulnerable people during the winter months, when temperatures drop and circumstances may become dangerous for those without stable housing.
Equipped with sleeping mats, tables, chairs, hot beverages and snacks, as well as a place for pets overnight, the warming centres provide much-needed support for Burnaby’s most vulnerable citizens.
Burnaby Lake Arena - Now Open
3677 Kensington Avenue
Hours: 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily until further notice
Beresford Warming Centre - Remaining open until further notice
5970 Beresford Street
Located in a City Operations Centre
Hours: 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily until further notice
Swangard Stadium - Closed March 27
Kingsway and Boundary Road
Located in Swangard Stadium's Hospitality Room / North Concourse
Kensington Warming Centre - Closed March 26
5889 Curtis Street
Located in the Kensington Pitch and Putt Fieldhouse
Each location has knowledgeable staff who can connect patrons to agencies that can help them access housing and other services.
In addition to providing important connections within the community, warming centre staff work hard to ensure the spaces are welcoming and safe for all patrons.
Last year, Burnaby’s warming centres program provided shelter for more than 2,500 visitors in a single season of operation. These centres are part of a larger initiative from the City of Burnaby to provide better access to housing and shelter for people from all walks of life.
For more information about warming centres, call the City Hall Information Desk at 604-294-7944.
