Bitter cold prompts Edmonton to activate extreme weather response

With temperatures forecast to stay below 20 C over the coming days, the City of Edmonton has activated its extreme weather response.

City buses on dedicated routes will transport vulnerable people to shelters, the city saidTuesday.

Emergency shelter space will be temporarily expanded, the city said in a public service announcement.

Environment Canada says Edmonton will see a low of24 C Tuesday, with wind chill making it feel like30 overnight. There will be a risk of frostbite.

Wednesday will see a high of20 C, a low of25 and wind chill making it feel like30.

Highs of 20 C are forecast for Thursday and Friday, with lows on Thursday dipping to29 C.

Temperatures will start to warm up again on Saturday, with a high of14 C and a low of19.

In addition to using buses to transport vulnerable people to shelters, Edmonton Transit Service operators will pick up passengers at most stops when the weather is20 or colder with wind chill.

Boyle Street Community Services and the Bissell Centre will increase their day-shelter capacities.

A temporary shelter operated by The Mustard Seed atCommonwealth Stadiummay open earlier than the planned date of Dec. 20 if possible, and its capacity will be increased to 200 from the planned 150.

The City of Leduc, south of Edmonton, has also put its extreme weather plan into effect, providing shelter for people who need it.

TheLeducHub Association has overnight shelter for up to 12 people at 5110 47th St.

Residents seeking warmth outside of theLeducHub overnight hours are encouraged to visit theLeducCivic Centre or theLeducRecreation Centre with proof of vaccine during regular business hours.

All of the northernmost parts of Alberta were under extreme cold warnings as of Tuesday afternoon.

The list included these areas:

• Fort Chipewyan - Wood Buffalo National Park
• Grande Prairie - Beaverlodge - Valleyview
• High Level - Rainbow Lake - Fort Vermilion - Mackenzie Highway
• Peace River - Fairview - High Prairie - Manning
• Slave Lake
• Wabasca - Peerless Lake - Gift Lake - Cadotte Lake