Lakelands Public Health has issued a cold warning for Northumberland in effect Saturday, Jan. 24 to Sunday, Jan. 25, as dangerously low temperatures and a winter storm are expected to impact the region.
Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts temperatures near -20°C, with wind chill values as low as -30 to -35°C, and increasingly heavy snow on Sunday. These conditions significantly increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia, particularly for vulnerable residents.
Health officials are urging people to prepare in advance, limit non-essential travel and check on family members, neighbours and others who may need extra support during extreme cold.
Warming locations and shelter services
Residents needing relief from the cold can access the following municipal and community warming spaces:
Port Hope temporary respite sites (regular hours)
Port Hope Public Library – Mary J. Benson Branch
31 Queen St., Port Hope
Jack Burger Sports Complex
60 Highland Dr. , Port Hope
Town Park Recreation Centre
62 McCaul St., Port Hope
Cobourg community warming locations
Victoria Hall
55 King St. W., Cobourg
(Jan. 23: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Jan. 24: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Jan. 25: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
Cobourg Public Library
200 Ontario St., Cobourg
(Jan. 23: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Jan. 24: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Jan. 25: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.)
Cobourg Community Centre
750 D’Arcy Street, Cobourg
(Open daily 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.; early morning access via east side entrance by soccer fields)
Brighton community warming locations
Brighton Public Library
35 Alice St., Brighton
Jan. 23: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Jan. 24 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday closed.
King Edward Park Arena/Owen Gibb Community Centre
75 Elizabeth St.
(Hours can vary)
County warming room (overnight)
Northumberland County Winter Warming Room
County Headquarters, 555 Courthouse Road, Cobourg
(Daily 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.; accessible via rear upper parking lot entrance)
Transportation support
Express Cobourg Shuttle available for residents needing transportation to warming locations.
Who is most at risk?
Those especially vulnerable during extreme cold include:
People experiencing homelessness or without adequate heat
Older adults
Infants and young children
People with chronic respiratory, cardiac or mental health conditions
Individuals taking medications or using substances that affect body temperature or awareness
Outdoor workers and winter sport participants
Individuals with mobility or cognitive challenges
Officials stress that facilities may close during severe weather to protect staff, and emergency measures including additional shelter activation may be implemented if conditions worsen. Residents are encouraged to stay informed, plan ahead, and take precautions to protect themselves and others during this extreme weather event.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
