This weekend’s cold weather warnings will have most of us staying indoors to keep warm, but for others it may not be that easy.
Weather reports for tonight and Saturday call for blowing snow that could accumulate between five and 10 centimetres in parts of southern Ontario, with the temperature dropping down to between minus-20 to minus-30 degrees Celsius.
People are being urged to stay inside, if possible, but they can go to the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library or the BWG Leisure Centre during operating hours if they have no other place to go, said Caleigh Clubine, the town's community relations officer.
The Town of BWG does not have a formal warming centre program, she said.
The BWG Public Library at 425 Holland St. W., is open Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Monday to Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The neighbouring leisure centre, at 471 West Park Ave., is open Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Town of Innisfil released a statement regarding the incoming cold snap and has a number of warming areas open to the public and is taking donations of toques, gloves, hats and warming blankets. For a full list of warming centres in Innisfil, click here.
At the David Busby Centre in Barrie, Stacey Daoust told BarrieToday they will be at full capacity and then some tonight and over the weekend.
“We are expecting to be very busy this weekend and will have the drop-in open as well for those looking to grab a cup of coffee and get warm,” Daoust said.
People can go to the Busby Centre, located at 88 Mulcaster St., beginning at 5 p.m. to reserve a cot for the evening, but have to back at 10 p.m., otherwise they may have given up their bed, Daoust said.
"But we do work with our community partners to make sure that nobody goes without shelter, especially in these extreme cold snaps," Daoust added. "We do have 55 cots here, but they’ll be gone in no time.”
Daoust encourages people who want to help to reach out to the Busby because it's all hands on deck for the organization.
“We would love help and always do,” said Daoust. “We are always accepting donations and we are still looking for volunteers so they can head to the volunteer section on our website or call us and we will totally set them up.”
The David Busby Centre website also has information on what is needed for donations and volunteering.
- With files from Miriam King and Jenni Dunning
