The Medical Officer of Health for Grand Erie Public Health has issued a Cold Notification for the Grand Erie Public Health region, including Brantford-Brant and Haldimand-Norfolk, effective January 14, 2026.
According to Grand Erie Public Health, a Cold Notification is issued when temperatures are forecast to fall below −15°C or when wind chill values reach −20°C.
Health officials said everyone is at risk during very cold weather. In temperatures of −15°C or colder, unprotected skin can freeze in less than 30 minutes, and the risk of hypothermia increases significantly.
Certain groups are considered more vulnerable, including older adults, infants and young children, people with chronic illnesses such as heart or respiratory conditions, individuals taking certain prescription medications, people experiencing homelessness, those working or exercising outdoors, and individuals living in homes that are poorly insulated or lack adequate heating.
To reduce the risk of cold-related injuries such as hypothermia and frostbite, Grand Erie Public Health recommends wearing several layers of clothing, with an outer layer that protects against wind and moisture, covering exposed skin with hats, mittens, or face coverings, and drinking warm, non-caffeinated and alcohol-free fluids.
Residents are also encouraged to check regularly on elderly and vulnerable individuals.
Information on recognizing the signs of frostbite and hypothermia is available at Brantford.ca/ExtremeCold.
Anyone in immediate need of emergency shelter is asked to contact SOAR Community Services Emergency Shelter Intake Services at 1-888-621-0034 or by email at housing@soarcs.com. Intake services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In-person walk-in services are available daily from 8 a.m. to midnight at 73 Murray Street, Brantford, and from midnight to 8 a.m. at 331 Dalhousie Street, Brantford.
Several service providers within the Homelessness Coordinated Access system have expanded capacity during the winter months to provide warming spaces.
These include Rosewood House, open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 42 Nelson Street; the Salvation Army Booth Centre, which can accommodate up to five men during cold alerts only at 187 Dalhousie Street; and SOAR Community Services at 73 Murray Street, offering temporary warming space from 8 a.m. to midnight, based on capacity.
From November 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, the Blessing Centre at 7 Burnley Avenue is open daily from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., providing access to food and connections to homelessness services.
Grand Erie Public Health said the Cold Notification will remain in effect until cancelled by the Medical Officer of Health.
Additional information and cold-weather safety resources are available at Brantford.ca/EmergencyShelters and Brantford.ca/ExtremeCold.
