Edmonton triggers response to extreme weather conditions Tuesday – Edmonton | The Canadian News

The city of Edmonton activated its extreme weather response Tuesday to keep vulnerable people safe ahead of an expected period of cold weather.

This activation includes a temporary expansion of the emergency shelter space during extreme cold and dedicated ETS bus routes to transport people from transit centers and other critical locations to shelters between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

“During activation, Edmonton Transit Service will continue its practice of picking up passengers at most stops when the weather is -20 C or below with a wind chill,” the city said in a news release Tuesday.

It’s supposed to be a very cold week in Edmonton. Edmonton Global Climate Specialist Mike Sobel’s weather forecast indicates a high of -15 C on Tuesday, followed by highs of -19 C on Wednesday, -18 C on Thursday and -20 C on Friday. Overnight lows could fall to -27 C on Friday.

Do you want to know the weather on the go? Download the Global News Skytracker weather app.

The activation of the extreme climate response is expected to last until December 31.

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In terms of day shelter space, Boyle Street Community Services and Bissel Center will increase capacity. In terms of overnight shelter, the 150-bed Commonwealth shelter will expand capacity to 200. The shelter will operate through March 31, 2022.

A temporary shelter on the west side of Commonwealth Stadium (operated by The Mustard Seed) has a scheduled opening date of Dec. 20, but the city says teams “are working to open earlier if possible.”

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The city makes the decision to activate an extreme weather response in consultation with the Emergency Response Sector, a collaboration between the city, the Homeward Trust and more than 25 other agencies.

Environment Canada’s weather forecast and current capacity within Edmonton’s emergency shelter system were also taken into consideration, the city explained.

If you are concerned about someone outside in extreme cold, call 911 (for someone in serious danger or in emergencies) or call 211, press 3 for Crisis Diversion 24/7 (for non-emergency support for shelter, intoxication and mental treatment). Health).

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