What to know
- Environment Canada released a Yellow Warning for extreme cold for much of Southern Ontario over the weekend.
- Wind chill is expected to dip close to -30 C, as Environment Canada warns there is increased risk of frostbite.
- The City of Toronto is notifying the public that its warming centres and surge sites are open for anyone in need of an emergency shelter.
The City of Toronto is responding to the extreme cold temperatures forecasted this weekend.
It says its Warming Centres and surge sites are open.
In response to colder temperatures forecasted throughout the week, the City's Warming Centres, surge and additional shelter spaces remain open. Shelter system capacity remains available.
— City of Toronto 🇨🇦 (@cityoftoronto) February 7, 2026
Daytime drop-ins are also offering extended hours. For locations and more information on… pic.twitter.com/H3YttlnRn7
Read More
The city’s Warming Centres are part of its Winter Services Plan for people experiencing homelessness, activated when forecasted temperatures reach -5 C or in the event of a winter weather warning.
They are pet-friendly and provide resting spaces, meals, washroom facilities and referral to emergency shelters.
Read More
Surge sites open when temperatures dip below -15 C, and are located at:
John Innes Community Centre – 150 Sherbourne St.
- Adults, all gender
- Approximate capacity: 30
- Pet-friendly
Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre – 870 Queen St. E.
- Adults, all gender
- Approximate capacity: 30
- Pet-friendly
Cecil Community Centre – 58 Cecil St.
- Adults, all gender
- Approximate capacity: 30
- Pet-friendly
81 Elizabeth St.
- Adults, all gender
- Approximate capacity: 75
885 Scarborough Golf Club Rd.
- Adults, all gender
- Approximate capacity: 68
- Pet-friendly
146 Spadina Rd.
- Adults, all gender
- Approximate capacity: 22
- Pet-friendly
349 George St.
- Adults, all gender
- Approximate capacity: 30
- Pet-friendly
12 Holmes Ave., North York
- Adults, all gender
- Approximate capacity: 46
- Pet-friendly
The city’s notice comes as Environment Canada issued a Yellow Warning for extreme cold for much of Southern Ontario, warning wind gusts of up to 50 km/h and risks of frostbite.
Read More
According to the agency, the prolonged period of “very cold wind chills” near -30C is expected to continue into Sunday.
Under such warnings, Environment Canada recommends watching for cold related symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes. It is also advised to keep emergency supplies in your vehicles such as extra blankets and jumper cables.
We are anticipating winter weather: Extreme cold is expected in some parts of Canada.
— Environment Canada (@environmentca) February 7, 2026
Get your weather alerts directly through our mobile app: https://t.co/PgrNDgvuqY 🥶 pic.twitter.com/lR4DgP40qi
Anyone in need of an emergency shelter at this time is advised to call 311 or the city’s Central Intake line at 416-338-4766 for assistance.
When activated, Toronto’s Warming Centres stay open 24 hours and welcome walk-ins, but should a location be at capacity, the City says it will work to transport individuals to another centre where there may be space.
For more information about the city’s response to the extreme cold warning, visit their website.
