December 14, 2021
The City of Edmonton has activated its extreme weather response to help keep vulnerable Edmontonians safe during the cold weather expected in the coming days.
The activation includes the operation of dedicated ETS bus routes to transport people to shelters and the temporary expansion of emergency shelter space during the extreme cold.
Transportation
- Edmonton Transit Service will activate the Extreme Weather Bus Route to transport people from transit centres and other critical locations between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. By expanding our existing service and locations in connecting individuals from LRT stations to shelters, we are ensuring people who need access to emergency shelters have a safe and warm way to get there during extreme weather conditions.
- Throughout the activation, Edmonton Transit Service will continue its practice of picking up passengers at most stops when the weather is -20 degrees celsius and below with windchill.
Day Services/Shelter
- Boyle Street Community Services will increase day shelter capacity.
- Bissell Centre will increase day shelter capacity.
Overnight Shelter
- A temporary shelter operated by The Mustard Seed will open on the west side of Commonwealth Stadium with a targeted opening date of December 20, but we are working to open earlier if possible. During the extreme weather response, the 150 bed shelter at Commonwealth will expand capacity to 200. The shelter will operate until March 31, 2022.
The activation of the extreme weather response is expected to run until December 31. We will continue to monitor the weather conditions and the needs for service during and we will adapt as necessary.
Sector Emergency Response
The City made the decision to activate its extreme weather response based on consultation with partners in the Sector Emergency Response, a collaboration between the City, Homeward Trust and more than 25 other agencies working together to ensure Edmonton’s most vulnerable people are safe during adverse weather conditions. Environment Canada’s weather forecast and the current capacity within Edmonton’s emergency shelter system were also taken into consideration.
If you are concerned about someone outside in the extreme cold, there are steps you can take to help:
- Call 911 for someone in serious distress or in cases of emergency.
- Call 211, press 3 for 24/7 Crisis Diversion non-emergency support for shelter, intoxication and mental health.
