Environment Canada has issued a Weather Alert for the Thunder Bay area, with dangerously cold wind chill values expected to reach -40 C to -45 C beginning tonight and continuing into the weekend. This extreme cold is expected to last approximately 48–72 hours.

Extreme cold puts everyone at risk, with increased dangers for infants and young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, and individuals without proper shelter, clothing, or food.

Municipal Response

In response to the extreme cold event, the City of Thunder Bay has activated its Severe Weather Response Plan.

Through this plan, the City is coordinating efforts across internal departments and partner agencies to support resident safety during this period of extreme cold. Current actions include:

  • Enhanced coordination and planning through internal City departments and partner agencies.
  • Ongoing monitoring of shelter availability, including potential overflow capacity through District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board.
  • Continued outreach and engagement with individuals sheltering outdoors, with a focus on wellness checks and connections to available supports.
  • Exploration of additional short-term support options should conditions persist or worsen.

Community Response

Shelters and warming services remain available in the community, including two 24-hour emergency shelters at the Salvation Army and Shelter House, the Out of the Cold Program at Grace Place, and the Urban Abbey. Limited shelter spaces may be available for couples and individuals with pets on a case-by-case basis.

The Street Outreach Services (SOS) Van is operating with extended overnight hours, and the NorWest Community Health Care Bus is operating on its expanded schedule from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Warming centres are also expanding services through the cold spell: PACE will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Elevate will have additional outreach available to support individuals in accessing indoor spaces.

Additionally, the City is also assessing further short-term measures, including alternative overnight spaces. These measures are being evaluated in real time as conditions evolve.

Public Awareness and Safety

Thunder Bay is no stranger to winter conditions, and residents are encouraged to look out for one another and use available supports to stay safe during this period of extreme cold.

Public safety remains the priority. If a situation appears unsafe or presents a risk of fire or injury, residents should report it immediately. Otherwise, residents are asked to allow outreach workers and emergency services to respond as needed while individuals take reasonable steps to stay warm during the extreme cold.

Staying Safe During Extreme Cold

Residents are advised to take precautions to prevent cold-related injuries, including:

  • Dressing in layers of warm clothing.
  • Wearing hats, scarves, insulated gloves, and waterproof footwear.
  • Monitoring exposed skin for signs of frostbite, including numbness, pain, tingling, swelling, or colour changes.
  • Limiting time outdoors and postponing non-essential outdoor activities.
  • Keeping infants and young children indoors.
  • Bringing pets inside and limiting their time outdoors.
  • Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, including blankets, booster cables, and a charged phone.

Cold-related injuries can include frost nip, frostbite, trench foot, and hypothermia. Symptoms of hypothermia include confusion, shivering, difficulty speaking, drowsiness, and stiff muscles. Severe hypothermia requires immediate medical attention.

Getting Help

  • For medical emergencies, call 911, 24 hours a day.
  • If you see someone who may need assistance due to extreme cold, contact SOS at 807-620-7678, between 6:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m.
  • Residents can also warm up at City facilities, and other publicly accessible indoor spaces such as libraries, community centres, and shopping centres during regular operating hours.

For more information and tips to staying warm during Extreme Cold Weather Alerts, visit: www.thunderbay.ca/ColdWeatherResponse

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Contact:              Cynthia Olsen, Director – Strategy & Engagement, 807-631-7451