Cold weather can be hazardous to health, and each year Canadians suffer injuries and die from exposure to the cold. Local municipalities have a role to play in establishing warming centres in order to protect the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors.
Supporting the Community During Cold Temperatures
Current parameters for activating cold weather warming centres in Ontario
- The criteria for activating a local cold weather response varies across public health regions.
- Environment Canada issues an extreme cold weather warning in Southeastern Ontario when the temperature or windchill is expected to reach minus 35°C for at least two hours.
- Hastings Prince Edward Health (HPEPH) issues a cold weather health warning for temperatures below -25°C. For more information on cold weather risks and how to protect yourself, please visit HPEPH’s webpage Cold Weather Information.
- Some municipalities activate their warming centres once the temperature drops below a certain threshold. However, since May 2022, Hastings Count Community and Human Services Committee has adopted a model of operating warming centres nightly throughout the winter months rather than evaluating temperature thresholds. This approach aims to provide relief from the cold to those with inadequate housing even at mild cold temperatures when hypothermia can begin.
Recommendations for supporting those at a greater risk
- People experiencing homelessness, outdoor workers, people with certain medical conditions, infants (under 1 year), older adults (65 years or older) could benefit from opportunity to get relief from cold temperatures.
- When the temperature is expected to reach minus 10°C for at least two hours, HPEPH recommends activation of other programs (i.e. increased street outreach and drop- in services) for those experiencing homelessness, including opportunities to get relief from the cold in daytime hours.
- There is an incremental benefit to increasing capacity for services provided to those who are unable to escape the cold due to lack of access to a home, or housing conditions that are poorly insulated (with no heat or no power).
- For a list of services and supports for people who are experiencing homelessness in Hastings County, please visit the Homelessness Prevention – Hastings County website.
For information on the local warming centres activated for this winter, please see the following links:
