Edmonton activates extreme weather response due to cold snap
Posted January 27, 2023 11:17 am.
Another polar vortex is making its way through Edmonton and the City has activated its extreme weather response to help Edmontonians during the cold snap.
According to Environment Canada, Edmonton’s warmest day through the weekend and into next week will see a high of -10°C, with overnight lows dropping to -20°C over a pair of nights during that time, before windchill.
Due to this, the extreme weather response was instated from 9 a.m. on Jan. 27 and will last until 6 a.m. on Feb. 4.
With the extreme weather response, Edmonton Transit Service will provide dedicated, overnight transportation to transport people to shelters with capacity.
However, LRT stations are not listed as shelters and the City says, “LRT stations are not appropriate shelter space as they lack amenities such as heat and adequate washroom facilities.”
In addition, the Al Rashid Mosque will be set up to host 50 overnight spaces to shelter those in need. This will start on Jan. 28, at 6 p.m.
Throughout the day, the Bissell Centre and Boyle Street Community Services will be offering services including food, housing supports, and showers for those in need.
