As temperature drops, St. Catharines opens Market Square as day-time warming shelter
Published January 11, 2022 at 3:16 pm
With temperatures hitting -10C and a windchill factor of -16C today (January 11), St. Catharines is looking to help out the vulnerable by opening Market Square as a day-time warming shelter.
“Temperatures are dangerously cold and this is one way the City can support those who need to escape the cold during the daytime,” said Mayor Walter Sendzik.
“Despite some pressures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our community partners are working hard to ensure overnight spaces are available, but we all need to do our part to protect our most vulnerable.”
Market Square, located at 91 King Street, opened as warming centre today at 1 pm and will remain open until 6 pm.
Typically, St. Catharines opens warming centres when Environment Canada issues a cold weather advisory, however, with current shutdowns in response to COVID-19 limiting other options for individuals seeking relief from frigid weather, the city is relaxing usual requirements.
COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place and capacity is limited to 30 patrons at a time. Masks are required but the city will have masks available for anyone without one.
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The City will monitor the weather going forward and open the centre as required. According to Environment Canada, the temperature is due to jump up to 4C tomorrow. However, by Saturday, it’s right back down to -12C.
The City will announce when warming centres are open via its Twitter, Facebook and the city website: http://stcatharines.ca