Based on Environment and Climate Change Canada’s forecast, the Medical Officer of Health has issued an Extreme Cold Weather Alert (ECWA) today for Toronto in anticipation of the cold weather conditions forecasted for the next 24 hours or longer. The ECWA will be in effect until further notice.
ECWAs are issued when temperatures are forecasted to reach -15 degrees Celsius or colder, or when the wind chill is forecast to reach -20 degrees Celsius or colder. Other weather-related factors may also be considered when issuing ECWAs.
ECWAs are issued to ensure Toronto residents take necessary precautions to stay safe from the cold. They also activate local services that focus on getting and keeping vulnerable residents inside. The City’s Warming Centres that were activated on January 7, 2022 will remain open.
As well, the additional Streets to Homes outreach teams that were activated on January 7, 2022 will continue to provide enhanced street outreach response to help support and encourage those living outside to come indoors. Throughout the winter, outreach staff hands out blankets, sleeping bags and warm winter clothing.
The City’s four Warming Centres are located at:
• 129 Peter St.
• 5800 Yonge St.
• Exhibition Place, Better Living Centre, 195 Princes’ Blvd.
• Scarborough Civic Centre, 150 Borough Dr.
Generally, Warming Centres open at 7 p.m. on the day an alert is issued and remain open until noon on the day an alert is terminated.
SOURCE City of Toronto
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