Cold Weather Relief

Staying healthy and safe during extreme cold

When the temperature drops to -15 Celsius and below or feels like -20 Celsius with the wind chill, Niagara Region will expand shelter services to provide relief and stay healthy during extreme cold.  

Visit Environment Canada for current weather conditions and local forecasts. 

Daytime cold weather relief 

Anyone seeking relief from the cold is welcome to keep warm at the following Township of West Lincoln and West Lincoln Public Library facilities during regular business hours. (These are not emergency shelters with social services. Anyone seeking overnight shelter should call 2-1-1 to be connected to the Niagara Assertive Outreach Team.)

Township of West Lincoln facilities

West Lincoln Public Library Branches

• Smithville Library Branch (177 West Street)

• Caistorville Library Branch (9549 York Street)

• Wellandport Library Branch (5042 Canborough Road)

Please visit https://www.westlincolnlibrary.ca/contact.html for hours of operation.

Free transportation during extreme cold

Niagara Transit - Microtransit will provide free transportation to anyone heading to the West Lincoln Community Centre or West Lincoln Public Library Branches to seek relief from the cold during extreme weather advisories.

Please note that this free service only applies during extreme weather advisories, is only for travel to these approved locations to seek relief from the cold, is subject to availability and provided you are travelling within preapproved travel rules.

To access this free service, book your trip through Niagara Region Transit booking agents:

• Call 905-685-4228 ext. 1 (1-833-678-5463)
• or use the Niagara Transit Plus App

During cold weather, everyone is at risk, but those most at risk of developing a cold-related illness include infants and children, seniors, people living in poverty or without shelter, and people who work or exercise outdoors. To protect yourself:

• Stay in a heated building
• Dress appropriately by wearing a hat and covering exposed skin
• Wear multiple clothing layers
• Keep children indoors if the temperature falls below -25 degrees Celsius
• Check on neighbours who are at risk
• Take shelter from the wind
• Drink warm fluids but avoid caffeinated or alcoholic drinks
• Limit time sitting by moving around
• Use caution when shovelling snow especially those with medical conditions
• Evaluate and review successes

Health effects during extreme cold temperatures

There are two major health risks of extreme cold.