The lowering temperature levels is claimed to have cropped issues for the Nanaimo's extreme weather shelter. It is reported that it opened late on Friday as the city recorded snow of over 10 centimetres.

In addition, as per the latest weather warning extended by the Environment Canada early Friday Nanaimo and eastern Vancouver Island will witness its first snowfall of the season.

"The prediction is for a pretty cold winter," co-ordinator Joyce Hedges was quoted as saying on Friday. "We're well-organized for the season".

The lowering temperatures, has triggered the initiation of the extreme weather shelter at the First Unitarian Fellowship of Nanaimo along Townsite Road. It facilitates beds to homeless people to shield them against potential health risk because of the severe cold.

This extreme weather program was reportedly launched 50 nights in Nanaimo in 2008, when the city witnessed record snow levels. Last year, the shelter remained open for just nine nights.

According to the latest forecasts, there is over a 60 % chance of snow on Saturday and temperatures are augured to mark a plunge to as low as -7 C by Tuesday.

Nanaimo hails to have over 70 volunteers for convening the shelter program.