Frigid temperatures in GTHA put unhoused at higher risk of hypothermia

Much of the Golden Horseshoe is under a cold-weather alert with temperatures plummeting over the last 24 hours, following forecasts of strong winds.

There’s an increased risk of frostbite and hypothermia, especially for those who don’t have shelter.

Doctors and outreach workers say hypothermia-related deaths remain a problem across the province when those experiencing homelessness struggle to find warm shelter.

Emergency shelters in Hamilton and one drop in centre told CHCH News that they’ve been busy since Monday night.

At least three of them said they are at capacity as of Tuesday morning, and one centre had to turn people away.

This comes at a time when weather conditions are fluctuating so dramatically, with warm weather one day and freezing cold temperatures the next.

Data from Ontario’s Chief Coroner shows the number of hypothermia-related deaths over the last four years.

2022 saw the highest number of deaths related to the cold with 90 and 16 of those people being characterized as unhoused.

READ MORE: Environment Canada forecasts strong winds, snow squalls in southern Ontario

In Hamilton this year, while the number of deaths is not readily available yet, Paramedic Commander Dave Thompson says there have been 113 cold-related 9-1-1 calls since the beginning of the year.

74 of those were brought to hospital for treatment.

Last year, six of the 61 deaths were made up of those who are unhoused.

Linking the death to hypothermia isn’t straightforward, with multiple other factors possibly playing a role as well, but the main point is that these deaths are preventable.

Hypothermia can set in when someone’s body temperature drops faster than it can produce heat.

Hamilton’s winter response strategy is still in effect until the end of the month to provide additional drop-in and evening warming spaces.

Brantford also has emergency shelter available for those experiencing homelessness and need to escape from the frigid temperatures.

Recreational centres and library branches are always available as warming spaces during regular hours.

If you do have to be outside for whatever reason, dress in layers and cover your head, ears and face to retain that heat.

READ MORE: Preventable cold-related deaths take toll on Ontario’s homeless population, hospital staff