November 21, 2024

As temperatures plummet and winter conditions intensify, the City of Edmonton has activated the Winter Safety Response Plan to support vulnerable people. The plan emphasizes compassion, urgency and community collaboration to protect public health and safety during the coldest months of the year.

"Our winters can be harsh and unforgiving," said Jennifer Flaman, Deputy City Manager of Community Services. "The risk of frostbite, hypothermia and even death becomes very real for those experiencing homelessness. This plan helps ensure every Edmontonian has access to safe, warm spaces and reflects our collective responsibility to protect the most vulnerable."

The Winter Safety Response Plan unites City departments, community organizations and partners to provide critical services, including transportation, access to warm spaces and support for those sheltering outdoors.

"Safety is paramount in the Winter Safety Response Plan. Our work helps ensure every person has access to-and can reach-a safe, warm and accessible space. From encampment clean-ups to shuttle services, our efforts are focused on protecting those most vulnerable while also prioritizing community safety," said Craig McKeown, Acting Deputy City Manager of City Operations, highlighting the City's commitment to maintaining safe public spaces and essential services during winter.

"The truth is that trying to stay warm outdoors comes with serious-and potentially fatal-consequences. Fires in encampments can spread quickly, endangering lives, safety and property. No one should have to choose between freezing and facing these risks. We urge Edmontonians to look out for one another and use the resources available to stay safe," said David Lazenby, Acting Fire Chief of Edmonton Fire Rescue Services, stressing the dangers of sheltering outdoors during extreme cold.

Key initiatives include:

Free Overnight Shelter Shuttles:From November 1 to March 31, regardless of temperatures, nightly shuttles operate along two routes to support Edmontonians needing transportation to emergency shelters. Support staff are on each bus offering help to passengers needing access to available shelters and for referrals to other services.

Warm Public Spaces:During regular operating hours, common areas at libraries and recreation centres can be accessed to provide warmth and a sense of community.

Outreach and Support:The Community Outreach Transit Team, composed of outreach workers and transit peace officers, connects individuals in transit spaces to vital resources and services.

Wound Care Pop-Ups:Healthier Together wound care pop-up at Butler Park (157 Street and Stony Plain Road) has been extended until March 30, 2025, and takes place every Tuesday, weather permitting.

Encampment Response:Encampments pose health and safety risks. The goal is to connect individuals to safer, supported spaces before sites are compassionately closed and cleaned.

Extreme Weather Response: When temperatures fall below -20 C for three consecutive days, the City activates its Extreme Weather Response Policy. This includes access to city spaces, additional shelter spaces, supports to connect to services and expanded shelter shuttle bus service.

Winter Resource Card:This card is carried by frontline City staff and is available in libraries. It offers essential information on shelter locations, day shelters and health services.

The City's partnerships play a vital role in this effort. "Homelessness is not a challenge any one organization or order of government can solve alone," said Flamen. "This plan brings us all together to connect vulnerable Edmontonians with the essential supports they need during these cold winter months."

"Collaboration is essential when we're dealing with complex social issues," said Holly Hallborg, Director of Community Initiatives at REACH Edmonton. "By working as a team and sharing information, we can achieve the best possible outcomes for community members in vulnerable situations."

"The Sector Emergency Response is a critical collaboration between the City of Edmonton, Homeward Trust, and over 25 system partners to keep vulnerable Edmontonians safe during extreme weather," said Susan McGee, CEO of Homeward Trust Edmonton. "By sharing timely information and resources, we ensure no one is left out in the cold when the temperatures drop and that individuals can access housing services that provide permanent solutions to vulnerable Edmontonians."

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