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 17, 2026.
The notification will remain in effect until cancelled by the Medical Officer of Health.
According to Grand Erie Public Health, a Cold Notification is issued when temperatures are forecast to drop below −15°C or when wind chill values reach −20°C.
Health officials said extreme cold poses risks to everyone. In temperatures of −15°C or colder, exposed skin can freeze in less than 30 minutes, and the risk of hypothermia increases.
Certain groups are considered more vulnerable, including older adults, infants and young children, people with chronic health conditions such as heart or respiratory illnesses, individuals taking certain prescription medications, people experiencing homelessness, those working or exercising outdoors, and residents living in poorly insulated or inadequately heated homes.
To reduce the risk of cold-related injuries such as frostbite and hypothermia, Grand Erie Public Health recommends wearing multiple layers of clothing with an outer layer that protects against wind and moisture, covering exposed skin with hats, mittens, or face coverings, drinking warm, non-caffeinated and alcohol-free fluids, and checking frequently 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 encouraged 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.
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, offering space for up to five men during cold alerts only at 187 Dalhousie Street; and SOAR Community Services at 73 Murray Street, which can provide temporary warming space from 8 a.m. to midnight, subject to 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 is encouraging residents to seek shelter during extreme cold conditions and to learn more about available resources at Brantford.ca/EmergencyShelters and Brantford.ca/ExtremeCold.
