Windsor-Essex braces for extreme winter cold, as health unit issues warning

The local health unit is warning of extreme cold, while the city is adding more beds in shelters, in preparation for a cold snap expected to hit the region.

Environment Canada is forecasting temperatures as low as -18 C Friday, or -27 with the wind chill. Overnight, that could drop to -32 with the wind chill.

That's prompted the Windsor Essex County Health Unit to issue a cold weather warning, triggered when temperatures below -15 C without the wind chill are expected.

"Everyone is at risk from cold, especially older adults, infants and young children, people who work outdoors, people with pre-existing conditions such as heart diseases, and those who are experiencing homelessness," the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) said in a cold weather warning.

"Exposure to cold weather can increase the risk of cold-related injuries including hypothermia and frostbite."

The health unit advises people to stay indoors as much as possible, dress warmly and stay dry, keep moving and seek shelter when the wind chill is significant. People should also check on their neighbours and family.

The City of Windsor has increased capacity at local emergency shelters, adding 24 additional shelter beds to help get people in out of the cold overnight.

According to a city release, the additional beds were added in the past couple of weeks, bringing the total to 221 beds and rooms for men, women, couples, families and their pets.

There are also 100 overnight drop-in spaces to accommodate those who cannot access a shelter bed.

And ahead of those extremely cold temperatures, the Downtown Mission is activating its cold weather response plan and is seeking donations to help them keep up.

"When temperatures drop this low, the need for warm meals, safe spaces, and human support rises sharply,” said Rukshini Ponniah‑Goulin, executive director of the Downtown Mission of Windsor.

“We are preparing to support more unhoused individuals and working collaboratively with our partners to meet this increased need—but we can’t do it without community support.” 

The cold weather increases the need for food and meal supplies, winter essentials and meal supplies and more cleaning and staff to support the increased need for service.

People can find a list of places to stay warm on the health unit's webpage, and a full list of emergency shelters and overnight drop-in programs is also available on the city's website.