Fort Erie has ‘a real gap’ to fill with warming centres during extreme cold
January 21, 2025 at 8:10 PM
There are a few local options for people to escape the extreme cold this week.
With temperatures reaching below -20C when the wind chill is factored, the Town of Fort Erie and at least a couple of other organizations are opening their doors.
The Leisureplex, during its hours of operation, is open as a warming centre.
All three branches of the Fort Erie Public Library are available during business hours as well.
Niagara Transit is offering free rides to designated warming shelters during the extreme cold alert, expected to be in place until at least Wednesday.
The Crystal Ridge Dream Center will offer a drop-in program from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday for people to get out of the cold and also enjoy a meal and warm beverage, said Anna Vetere from the centre.
Fort Erie Radio reached out to both Community Outreach Program Erie (COPE) and Strong Fort Erie Neighbourhoods (SFEN) to inquire about other warming centres, and both COPE manager Lynne Rey and SFEN board member Theresa Murphy pointed to The Embrace Centre at 14 Jarvis Street, saying it is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the week as an option for people to get away from the polar vortex.
Murphy said “Fort Erie has a real gap in this area,” referring to warming centre options.
She told Fort Erie Radio that SFEN has taken the lead by hosting a community conversation related to homelessness in December.
This involved a number of organizations who all agreed “the first conversation was helpful,” said Murphy.
Niagara Regional Police spokesperson Constable Phil Gavin said that by about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday there were no reported collisions related to weather despite the heavy snow.
“Lower numbers are a possible indication that drivers are taking their time and driving based on the conditions of the roadway, not necessarily the speed limit,” said Gavin.
Fort Erie Fire Chief Mark Schmitt also said mid-afternoon there were no incidents.
An inquiry to CAA Niagara’s public relations staff was not answered.
Heavy snow subsided around that time but resumed falling again at about 6 p.m.
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About The Author
Kris Dubé
Kris is a veteran journalist who has worked in Niagara for close to 20 years. He is also a lifelong resident of Fort Erie, a place he plans to call home and raise his family for many more years.
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