Over 36,000 people have been displaced in BC due to wildfires, leading to the setup of multiple group lodging centres. These centers are welcome to any and all people affected by the fires, and are able to provide immediate assistance with accommodations, food, and medical support.

Here is a guide to group lodging and lodging assistance available in the Thompson Okanagan:

Kelowna:

• Salvation Army, 1480 Sutherland Avenue

Kamloops:

• Thompson Rivers University, Old Main Building, 835 University Drive
• Sandman Centre, 300 Lorne Street

Photo Credit: KamloopsBCNowSandman Centre in Kamloops

Salmon Arm:

• Columbia Shuswap Regional District Office, 555 Harbourfront Drive NE

Barriere:

• North Thompson Volunteer and Information Centre, 4936 Barriere Town Road

Penticton:

• Penticton Community Centre, 325 Power Road

Vernon:

• Vernon Recreation Centre, 3310 37th Avenue
• Civic Arena, 3003 37th Avenue

Photo Credit: City of VernonVernon

Clearwater:

• Royal Canadian Legion, 257 Glen Road

Merritt:

• Merritt Civic Centre, 1950 Mamette Avenue

There are a number of other resources available for evacuees needing a place to stay, including:

TNRD Donations and Lodging

Airbnb Urgent Accommodations 

BC Wildfire Evacuees Peer Accommodation Matching 

Reception centres have also opened in the lower mainland, Okanagan-Similkameen, and Cariboo regions. For details on those locations, click here.