Another special weather statement in effect for Niagara - today through Sunday due to extreme cold. Get out of the cold at Niagara locations listed below.
Environment Canada has issued another special weather statement for Niagara today through Sunday.
Cold snap from today through Saturday.
A bitterly cold northwesterly flow will develop over southern Ontario today. Extreme cold warning criteria of minus 30 is expected to be met in many places tonight into Friday and again Friday night into Saturday.
The cold snap will end by Sunday as a southwesterly flow develops.
The health risks of exposure to exceptionally cold temperatures include frostbite and hypothermia. Protect your health by staying inside heated buildings as much as possible. If you need to go outside, wear appropriate clothing, cover as much exposed skin as possible and limit your time outside.
Residents are encouraged to check in on family, friends and neighbours, especially those who may be vulnerable to cold-weather related illnesses. Learn more about the health risks due to exceptionally cold temperatures from Niagara Region Public Health.
Locations in Niagara to get out of the cold and get warm:
St. Catharines:
The City is designating Market Square and the Russell Avenue Community Centre as warming centres, places residents can go to warm up for the duration of the exceptionally cold temperatures.
Market Square – 91 King St.
Russell Avenue Community Centre – 108 Russell Ave.
Residents who need to get out of the cold are also welcome to warm up at City Hall (50 Church St.), St. Catharines Public Library Central Branch (54 Church St.), the St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre (425 Carlton St.), the Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre (240 St. Paul St. W.) and the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre (1932 Welland Canals Pkwy.) and other City community centers during business hours. Visit www.stcatharines.ca/Cold for operating hours and more information.
Niagara Falls:
The City of Niagara Falls is encouraging residents to exercise extra caution during thisextreme cold weather we are experiencing. Open City facilities are available to the public in cold weather situations. The following sites are available (during operating hours) to anyone who needs a place to keep warm and escape the exceptionally cold temperatures:
Gale Centre (5152 Thorold Stone Road)Open Daily from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
MacBain Community Centre (7150 Montrose Road)Open Daily from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Niagara Falls City Hall (4310 Queen Street)Open Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Coronation 50 Plus Recreation Centre (5925 Summer St.)Open Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Any branch of the Niagara Falls Public Library
Overnight Shelters
Overnight emergency shelters are operated by the Out of the Cold Program. Please call 211 for shelter locations and availability. Individuals will be compensated for any transportation costs to the shelter.
Emergency shelter may be available at Women’s Place (Women and Children only) or Night Youth Shelter ( Youth only). In Niagara Falls there is also the Niagara Mobile Outreach Truck operated by the Salvation Army. For the latest updates and changes to shelter locations, please call 211.
Welland:
The city's Cold Alert Program offers warming stations at the following city-owned facilities and Public Library Branches when temperatures drop below -15ºC.
Welland Civic Square, located at 60 East Main Street, Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sun 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Welland Community Wellness Complex, located at 145 Lincoln Street, Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Sun 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Welland Public Library Main Branch, Located at 50 The Boardwalk, Mon-Thurs 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Fri 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sat 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sun 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Welland Public Library Diamond Trail Branch, located at 315 Southworth Street, Mon-Thurs 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Fri Closed, Sat 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Sun Closed.
Welland Public Library Seaway Mall Branch, located at 800 Niagara Street, Mon Closed, Tues-Fri 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sat 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sun Closed.
Although anyone can be harmed by extreme cold-related weather conditions, the following are most at risk and should exercise caution during extreme cold alerts: seniors (over the age of 65), infants and young children, persons lacking mobility, outdoor workers, homeless persons, and/or those lacking shelter or proper clothing, and pets.
