West Kelowna arena converted into temporary lodging for wildfire evacuees

Royal LePage Place in West Kelowna has been converted into temporary group lodging for people displaced by wildfires across the region. Photo: City of West Kelowna

Royal LePage Place Arena in West Kelowna has been converted into a group lodging facility for people displaced by wildfires affecting communities across the region.

The temporary facility has been established because commercial accommodations in the area have reached capacity, according to the City of West Kelowna.

The arena currently contains 150 beds and can be expanded to accommodate as many as 256 people if needed. Evacuees staying at the facility have access to washrooms, showers and on-site security.

Samaritan’s Purse has been contracted by the Province of British Columbia to establish and operate the lodging facility.

All bookings at Royal LePage Place have been cancelled for the next week, and the city said further cancellations may be necessary depending on the wildfire situation. City staff have contacted people and organizations with existing reservations.

Questions about arena bookings can be directed to the City of West Kelowna’s Recreation and Culture Department at 778-797-2265.

Information about evacuation orders, alerts and Emergency Support Services in the Central Okanagan is available through the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations website. Residents can also register for emergency notifications through the region’s Alertable service.

People who may require assistance during an evacuation are encouraged to create a profile through the provincial Emergency Support Services website. Registered evacuees can use the online self-service system to receive instructions about available support and how to access it.

People who complete the online registration process do not need to attend an Emergency Support Services reception or muster centre unless directed to do so.

Evacuees should also monitor EmergencyInfoBC for the latest evacuation orders, alerts and wildfire-related information affecting their communities

The City of West Kelowna said it will continue working with provincial and community partners to support people displaced by ongoing wildfire activity.