Royal LePage Place being used for group lodging to support wildfire evacuees

The City of West Kelowna has transitioned Royal LePage Place Arena into a group lodging facility to support individuals displaced from multiple communities affected by wildfires across the region. 

Group lodging has been established to provide temporary accommodation as commercial lodging is at capacity. The facility currently includes 150 beds and can be expanded to accommodate up to 256 guests if required. Evacuees staying at the site have access to washroom and shower facilities and on-site security. Samaritan’s Purse has been contracted by the Province of British Columbia to establish and operate the group lodging facility.

All bookings at Royal LePage Place Arena have been cancelled for the next week and additional cancellations may be required as needed. Staff have contacted those who have booked the space to advise them. Any questions about bookings can be directed to the Recreation and Culture Department at 778-797-2265.

Information about the current wildfire situation in the Central Okanagan, including evacuation alerts and orders, and Emergency Support Services can be found at coemergency.ca. 

Sign up for alerts through Alertable at coemergency.ca/subscribe.

People needing support during an evacuation are encouraged to create a profile online at ESS.gov.bc.ca. People who have created a profile can log into the online self-service registration tool to receive instructions on the types of support available and how they can be accessed. Once online registration is complete, there is no need to go to the reception/muster centre.

Evacuees are also encouraged to monitor Emergency Info BC for the most current information regarding evacuation orders, alerts, and wildfire-related updates affecting their communities.

The City of West Kelowna will continue to monitor the situation and work alongside provincial and community partners to support evacuees impacted by ongoing wildfire activity.