Just How Cold Are We Talking?
The city pulls the trigger on its emergency protocol when forecasts show -20 C or colder for at least three consecutive days. This week? We're blowing past that threshold. Environment Canada warns that Friday could see overnight lows near -30 C with daytime highs barely reaching -24 C.
The city will provide an update by Friday, December 19 at 9 a.m.
Where to Escape the Cold
Edmonton is opening its doors literally. Any city recreation centre or public library will welcome people looking to warm up during operating hours.
Here's a quick rundown of options:
Recreation centres across the city, including Commonwealth, Clareview, Meadows, Mill Woods, Terwillegar, and more than a dozen others are available. All Edmonton Public Library branches are also open for anyone needing shelter from the cold.
One important note: ETS transit centres and LRT stations aren't designed for sheltering and aren't safe options.
Emergency Shelter Options
Al Rashid Mosque is expanding its services during the extreme weather activation, operating an overnight shelter with up to 50 spaces funded by the city.
The province maintains a list of emergency shelters for diverse populations across Edmonton at alberta.ca.
Getting There Safely
Can't get to a shelter on your own? The Winter Shelter Shuttle runs all season:
Hope Mission operates a 24/7 shuttle from Kingsway to downtown, connecting people to shelters, healthcare, and support services. Two additional overnight routes run from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. one from Northgate Transit Centre and another from Century Park, both heading downtown. Support staff ride along to help passengers find available beds and connect with services.
Know the Warning Signs
Hypothermia kills. Watch for these red flags in yourself and others:
Uncontrollable shivering, confusion or memory loss, slurred speech, extreme drowsiness, and fumbling hands. Someone with severe hypothermia may appear unconscious and might not seem to have a pulse.
Frostbite is equally dangerous. Look for skin that's numb, hard, or waxy possibly grey, yellow, purple, or brown in colour. Get inside immediately and warm affected areas in lukewarm water. Never rub frostbitten skin or use direct heat. If skin still looks or feels wrong after warming, get to a hospital.
How You Can Help
See someone struggling in the cold? Don't walk by.
Call 911 for anyone in serious distress or a medical emergency. For someone sheltering outside, lacking proper clothing, or appearing confused or impaired, call 211 and press 3 for the 24/7 Crisis Diversion team. That phone call could save a life.
The Bigger Picture
Hope Mission reported housing around 1,100 people nightly over the weekend numbers that typically don't appear until much deeper into winter. Service providers are worried about what that means as temperatures continue dropping.
Stay warm out there, Edmonton.
