The City of Peterborough is providing emergency shelter services and an overnight warming space to keep residents safe during the extreme cold.
Lakelands Public Health issued a Cold Warning on Thursday for the City of Peterborough, Peterborough County, and surrounding areas. Environment Canada forecasts temperatures dropping to -28°C on the evening of January 23, with wind chill reaching -36°C, and a low of -25°C on January 24. The agency warns of frostbite risks and hypothermia.
“These frigid conditions pose a serious health risk, particularly during the early morning and later evening hours when temperatures are typically at their lowest. Lakelands Public Health urges all residents to take precautions to protect themselves,” the public health agency states. They advise watching for frostbite, which may cause pale, numb, or hard skin on fingers, toes, ears, and nose, and hypothermia symptoms such as intense shivering, confusion, slurred speech, or difficulty walking. Severe hypothermia requires immediate medical attention.
Information on staying safe in extreme cold is available at lakelandsph.ca/cold.
Those needing shelter can contact:
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Brock Mission Men’s Shelter, 217 Murray St., 705-748-4766 ext. 1
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YES Shelter for Youth and Families, 196 Brock St., 705-748-3851
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Cameron House, 738 Chemong Rd., 705-748-4766 ext. 2
Trinity Community Centre, 360 Reid St., operates daytime and overnight drop-in programs from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., respectively.
The City’s network, including shelters and the Trinity overnight program, has 127 beds available for those in need. Residents experiencing homelessness are encouraged to reach out for assistance and to stay safe during the extreme cold.
