Lakelands Public Health has issued a cold warning for the entire Kawarthas region this weekend as low temperatures and strong winds are forecast to grip the region, significantly increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
The cold warning is in effect for Saturday and Sunday (January 24 and 25) for Haliburton County, Peterborough County, Kawarthas Lakes and Northumberland County.
Environment and Climate Change Canada has also issued a cold warning for the region, forecasting temperatures to begin falling precipitously on Friday, accompanied by northwest winds gusting up to 60 km/h. Overnight temperatures over the weekend are expected to drop as low as -31°C with a wind chill of -36°C in Haliburton, -28°C with a wind chill of -36°C in Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes, and -23°C with a wind chill of -25°C in Northumberland County.
“These frigid conditions pose a serious health risk, particularly during the early morning and later evening hours when temperatures are typically at their lowest,” said Julie Bromley, manager of emergency services and healthy environments with Lakelands Public Health. “Extreme cold weather is more than just uncomfortable — it can be dangerous, even life-threatening.”
The health unit says people experiencing homelessness, older adults, infants and young children, individuals with chronic health conditions, and those without adequate heat are especially vulnerable. Outdoor workers and winter sport enthusiasts are also urged to take extra precautions.
Residents are advised to limit time outdoors during the coldest periods, dress in multiple warm layers with a wind-resistant outer layer, cover exposed skin, and change out of wet clothing promptly. The health unit is also reminding residents to ensure home heating systems are working properly and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning.
Lakelands Public Health is encouraging anyone who needs to get warm to use available community warming centres or other heated public spaces, and to seek medical attention immediately if symptoms of frostbite or hypothermia develop.
Emergency shelter services and winter overnight warming space in Peterborough
In response to the cold warning, the City of Peterborough is reminding residents that emergency shelters and a winter overnight warming space are available to help keep people safe.
Peterborough’s emergency shelter network includes 127 beds, along with daytime and overnight drop-in services at Trinity Community Centre on Reid Street. Emergency shelters are also operating at Brock Mission Men’s Shelter, YES Shelter for Youth and Families, and Cameron House.
People experiencing homelessness who need help accessing shelter can visit the city’s social services office on Charlotte Street during business hours, or 705-926-0096 after business hours.
Cobourg designates temporary respite locations
The Town of Cobourg is also urging residents to seek protection from the cold and has identified several temporary respite locations where people can warm up during the day and overnight.
Designated warming locations include Victoria Hall, the Cobourg Public Library, and the Cobourg Community Centre, with extended evening hours in place over the weekend.
In addition, Northumberland County continues to operate an overnight winter warming room at county headquarters on Courthouse Road in Cobourg, open nightly from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. until March 31.
Town officials are also reminding residents to check in on neighbours, friends, and older family members during periods of extreme cold to ensure their wellbeing.
Preventing frozen water pipes during extreme cold
The City of Kawartha Lakes is reminding homeowners that extreme cold increases the risk of frozen pipes, and to take preventative steps to protect household plumbing.
These include keeping kitchen, laundry, and bathroom cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around water pipes, draining and shutting off exterior taps, and using a small box heater with a thermostat in areas that might not be well-heated such as basements and crawl spaces.
For homeowners who have experienced frozen pipes in the past, open interior taps to allow a trickle of water to help keep pipes from freezing. A steady stream about the thickness of a drinking straw should be sufficient. The taps should run all night and day until temperatures rise.
