Cobourg, ON (January 13, 2022) – In response to the forecasted extreme cold warnings, the Town of Cobourg will open a Warming Centre for those who are vulnerable and those seeking relief from the cold temperatures beginning Friday, January 14, 2022.

The Town of Cobourg’s Warming Centre will be located at:

The Cobourg Community Centre
Front Lobby, Entrance/Exit on D’Arcy Street
750 D’Arcy Street

This Warming Centre will provide a warm indoor place to seek relief from the extreme cold access washroom facilities and will remain operate from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. beginning Friday, January 14, 2022. The centre will also provide approximately 1,420 square feet of space to provide proper physical distancing, chairs, and couches for those escaping the harsh weather.  

Warming Centres are generally activated when the local Medical Officer of Health issues an Extreme Cold Weather Alert (ECWA) based on a forecast from Environment and Climate Change Canada of -15 degrees Celsius or colder, or when the wind chill is forecast to reach -20 degrees Celsius or colder, for the proceeding 24 hours or longer.

“Forecasted temperatures are expected to reach the threshold to warrant an ECWA and therefore the Town will be activating a Warming Centre beginning Friday due to the sudden, significant drop in temperature and wind chill values,” said Shannon Murphy, Emergency Planner for the Town of Cobourg.

Extreme cold warnings and wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as frost bite and hypothermia. Risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter. Residents are advised to call 911 if an individual is in distress or requires immediate assistance.

All public health protocols regarding COVID-19 will be followed to ensure the safety of all those accessing the centre, including physical distancing, mandatory use of masks, hand washing, no food or beverages, conducting symptom screening and monitoring and enhanced cleaning procedures.