CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — P.E.I.'s Department of Social Development and Housing is taking steps to make sure Prince Edward Island residents have access to safe, warm shelter as cold weather approaches.
The department is working with shelter providers across the province to ensure all available beds are being used.
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Allister Aalders, SaltWire Network’s weather specialist, said Feb. 2 that Atlantic Canada is going to be on a temperature rollercoaster this weekend.
In his forecast on Feb. 2, Aalders said temperatures will start out mild in the morning on Feb. 3 and plummet through the afternoon and night causing any standing water to flash freeze.
He said temperatures will continue to fall overnight into Feb. 4.
“It is going to be a bone-chilling morning on Saturday morning with low temperatures into the minus-20s,’’ Aalders said. “With some locales, we could drop down into the minus 30s.’’
Aalders said the big concern will be the wind chill making it feel like -35 C to -45 C, creating a risk of hypothermia and frostbite.
“We could see some records broken with this cold,’’ he said. “We really need to take this seriously, especially for those who are unhoused, now more than ever.’’
Aalders said this blast of arctic air will be short-lived, with temperatures rising above freezing by Feb. 5 or Feb. 6.
Organizations are preparing to respond.
In Charlottetown, Bedford MacDonald House will be operating overflow beds, while transportation support will be in place to assist clients of the Community Outreach Centre and Park Street Emergency Shelter.
Additional beds have also been secured in case the shelter beds reach capacity.
At a glance
Following are tips for protecting people in cold weather:
• Wear appropriate clothing, including layers and protective eyewear;
• Limit time outdoors for yourself and your pets and bring them inside;
• Move regularly to maintain body heat;
• Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle when travelling;
• Check in on family, friends and neighbours; and,
• Seek shelter.
Taxi services have also been made available to transport individuals as needed.
The outreach centre will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for clients to stay warm during the day.
Those who need emergency temporary shelter or to book a bed at Park Street Emergency Shelter or other emergency shelters in P.E.I. can contact the Shelter Support Line at 1-833-220-4722.
Summerside Coun. Justin Doiron said the city is opening its fire hall downtown at 7 p.m. on Feb. 3 until at least 8 a.m. on Feb. 4.
“It will be on an as-needed basis,’’ Doiron told SaltWire Network on Feb. 2. “If people come and still need a place come Saturday morning, we certainly won’t be kicking people out.’’
Doiron added that they will have a few volunteer firefighters and police officers on hand for supervision.
As of late-afternoon on Feb. 2, the City of Charlottetown had no plans to provide warming centres.
The P.E.I. Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) activated to a level 1 enhanced monitoring on Feb. 2 in light of the cold weather system. During extreme cold conditions, all residents are encouraged to take precautions to stay safe and warm to reduce the risk of frostbite and windburn.
EMO is working with stakeholder partners to determine what co-ordinated supports may be needed in the next 48 hours.
