Ottawa shelters prepare for freezing temperatures

As the city braces for its coldest stretch so far this winter, homeless shelters are bracing for yet another busy week. CTV’s Josh Marano has more.

It’s a critical time for shelters across the nation’s capital with dangerously cold temperatures expected to blanket the region starting this weekend.

The Ottawa Mission says it is preparing for an influx of people looking for a place to get out of the cold.

“People forget how cold this city, this country can get,” said the Ottawa Mission’s CEO Peter Tilley.

“Our frontline staff are informing people. We always do announcements throughout the day with what the temperature is like out there, reminding people to dress for the weather.”

Tilley adds staff will patrol the community to make sure nobody is laying outside or is at risk of exposure to the elements.

Environment Canada’s forecast calls for temperatures to drop to -21 C Sunday night with wind chill values ranging between -30 and -37.

The last time it was colder than -20 C in Ottawa was Feb. 25, 2023 (-24.4 C), and the coldest low in 2024 was -19.5 C on Dec. 22.

Earlier this month, a man in his 40’s died after being found in cardiac arrest on Elgin Street overnight in -17 C weather.

“When extreme cold warnings are in effect, the risk for frostbite and hypothermia becomes elevated and the risks are greater for those without proper shelter but are also elevated for young children, older adults and people with chronic illnesses,” Environment Canada said in a statement.

Much like other shelters across the city, the Mission has been at capacity since the pandemic, offering shelter to roughly 250 guests a night.

“We don’t turn anyone away and that has meant 60 to 70 people in the small waiting area sitting in plastic chairs or curled up on the floor,” Tilley said.

“It gets challenging but we’re on top of it, we want everyone to feel welcome and come in under our roof wherever possible.”

According to a memo sent Friday by the City of Ottawa, there are approximately 300 people in Ottawa living unsheltered, with an estimated 70 per cent believed to be seeking shelter indoors every night through the winter.

With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Ted Raymond