Brantford-Brant and Haldimand-Norfolk regions issue cold alerts ahead of plunging temperatures

Grand Erie Public Health is issuing a cold notification for the Brantford-Brant and Haldimand-Norfolk regions as the temperatures are expected to drop overnight.

A cold notification is issued by the medical officer of health when parts or all areas of the region are expected to reach temperatures below -15 C, or when wind chill values reach -20 C.

In a release issued by public health, the notification is effective immediately and will remain in effect until a cancellation notice is issued.

These conditions can pose serious health risks, especially for individuals who are outdoors for long periods or without appropriate clothing, shelter or heating.

Cold temperatures can make some chronic health conditions worse, and being outside in very cold weather can cause hypothermia, frostbite or frostnip.

If you think you or someone has hypothermia or frostbite, seek immediate medical attention.

To prevent cold weather-related injuries, such as hypothermia and frostbite:

• Consider limiting time outdoors and taking regular breaks inside.
• Wear several layers of clothing and make sure the outer layer protects you from both wind and wetness.
• Cover exposed skin using hats, scarves, neck warmers, mittens, and/or face masks.
• Wear waterproof winter boots with an extra layer of socks.
• Drink warm, caffeine-free and alcohol-free fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Check on older adults and vulnerable people frequently to ensure they are safe and warm.
• Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle if travelling.

Emergency Shelter

If you, or someone you know, is in immediate need of emergency shelter, please contact SOAR Community Services Emergency Shelter Intake Services at 1-888-621-0034 or email housing@soarcs.com.

Intake services to the emergency sheltering system are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

In-person, walk-in services can be accessed:

Daily 8 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (midnight) at 73 Murray Street, Brantford
Daily 12 a.m. (midnight) to 8 a.m. at 331 Dalhousie Street, Brantford

• Some contracted service providers within the homelessness coordinated access system have also been able to expand capacity and provide spaces for people to warm up during the winter:

Rosewood House 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. at 42 Nelson St., Brantford.

Salvation Army Booth Centre for up to 5 men at a time during cold alerts only 187 Dalhousie St., Brantford.

SOAR Community Services at 73 Murray St., Brantford, can provide a temporary space for people looking to warm up based on their capacity from 8 a.m. to midnight daily.

From November 1, 2025 to March 31, the Blessing Centre located at 7 Burnley Ave., Brantford, is open from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. seven days per week.

• This is a location where individuals can access food and be connected to homelessness services.

Everyone is encouraged to seek shelter.  Learn more here.

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