Cold weather alert: Shelter available for those in need, say officials

Emergency shelter is available to those living on the streets and looking to escape this week’s extremely cold temperatures, city officials say.

Article content

Article content

Recommended Videos

Article content

However, the shelter is being provided within the existing system not at a specific temporary winter shelter location as originally planned.

“There is no winter shelter,” Kim Baker, executive director of SOAR Community Services, said. “An RFP (request for proposals) went out from the city in October and there were no applicants so the winter shelter did not open.”

The city has implemented an alternative plan to accommodate those seeking emergency shelter within the existing system. The existing shelter system includes Rosewood House, the Salvation Army Booth Center, and private accommodation in hotels with access through SOAR Community Services.

Those in need of shelter are urged to connect with SOAR Community Services Emergency Intake for support. Intake is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Article content

The emergency shelter intake service can be reached at 1-888-621-0034 or by way of e-mail at [email protected]. Those who don’t have a telephone or access to email can visit the Housing Resource Centre, 73 Murray St., from 8 am to midnight and at 331 Dalhousie St., from 12 am to 8 am

Maria Visocchi, the city’s communications director, said no one seeking shelter is turned away.

Environment Canada said residents can expect temperatures to drop significantly over the next couple of days as an Arctic air mass brings cold wind chills to the area. The national weather service has issued an extreme cold warning for Brantford, Brant County and the surrounding area.

Overnight temperatures were expected to reach -18 C on Monday night. On Tuesday, the daytime high is expected to be about -14 and dipping to -21 C overnight Tuesday.

Article content

However, the cold will feel more like -30 C with the wind chill, Environment Canada says.

The national weather service is advising people to dress in layers with clothing that can be removed if you become too warm. The outer layer of clothing should be wind resistant

As well, people are being advised to watch for cold-related symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain, weakness, numbness and a change of color in fingers and toes.

Outdoor workers should take regularly scheduled breaks to warm up.

Environment Canada says if it’s too cold for people to be outside, it’s too cold for pets.

Meanwhile, Dr. Rebecca Comley, acting medical officer of health for Grand Erie Public Health, has issued a cold weather alert for Brantford, Brant County and Haldimand-Norfolk.

Article content

Comley said unprotected skin can freeze in less than 30 minutes and the risk of developing hypothermia is high.

Older adults, young children, people with chronic diseases such as breathing difficulties or heart conditions are especially vulnerable to extreme cold temperatures.

Those who are homeless are urged to seek shelter during the cold weather alert.

The OPP West Region is advising motorists to take extra precautions to stay safe during the extremely cold temperatures.

“Situations like being stuck in the ditch or stranded in a significant traffic back up due to a collision can be downright dangerous when the mercury plunges,” Derek Rogers, the OPP’s regional media coordinator, said Monday

Rogers said motorists should dress for winter, make sure their phones are charged and gas tank is full.

Drivers should have a winter survival kit that includes a shovel, blanket, warm clothes, food, water, booster cables, a flashlight, high energy food, matches and a candle.

Motorists can also visit the Ministry of Transportation website at www.511.on.ca or municipal 511 at www.municipal511.ca to check road conditions.

The local Environment Canada forecast calls for temperatures to improve to -12 C on Wednesday. Temperatures are expected to hover between -6 C and -9 C for the balance of the week.

[email protected]

Article content