After several mild December days in Alberta’s capital, cold weather is expected to return to the region and the City of Edmonton says it is preparing for the change in temperatures.
Officials said the city plans to implement its extreme weather protocols on Sunday, with the aim of the actions being to keep vulnerable Edmontonians safe amid frigid conditions.
“The threshold for activating the city’s extreme weather response is a temperature of -20 C with wind chill for at least three consecutive nights, typically accompanied by an Environment Canada alert for extreme cold,” city officials said in a news release issued Friday.
“Open city facilities such as recreation centres and libraries will be available for anyone seeking respite from the extreme cold.
“The city encourages vulnerable Edmontonians to go to shelters to protect themselves from winter conditions.”
The city said the extreme weather response will take effect at 9 a.m. on Sunday before being lifted at 9 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 20. Officials noted that timeline may be extended depending on weather conditions.
The city asked that any Edmontonians who see someone sheltering outside call 211 immediately and ask to speak to the crisis diversion team.
“By making that call, you could be protecting someone from harm and potentially saving a life,” the city said.
For more information on the City of Edmonton’s extreme weather response, people can visit the city’s website.
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