City Warming Stations

Cold weather is a serious public health concern and can cause a variety of health problems, including windburn, frostbite and hypothermia.

Be Prepared During Cold Temperatures:

• Dress warmly in layers, cover up all exposed skin and wear a wind resistant outer layer
• Wear waterproof, insulated footwear
• Stay dry and change out of wet clothing as quickly as possible
• Keep moving (especially your hands and feet) to keep your blood flowing and maintain your body heat
• Drink warm fluids avoiding caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, as they cause your body to lose heat more rapidly
• Watch for signs of windburn, frostbite and hypothermia
• Seek medical attention if necessary
• Build an emergency kit, go online and create your own Emergency Plan

Be on the lookout for Extreme Cold Weather Warnings by following:

• Local weather reports
• Warnings from Environment Canada

Seniors, children, outdoor workers, those experiencing homelessness and people living in poorly insulated or heated homes are particularly at risk during extreme cold weather.

Residents requiring assistance, emergency shelter or amenities are reminded to call 211. 211 is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. An online 211 resource is also available.

Warming Stations

If you are caught outside in extreme cold conditions, look for shelter out of the wind and keep moving to maintain your body heat.

Warming stations are facilities open during regular business hours to provide short-term warmth and protection during cold weather events. 

City Hall - CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC UNTIL JANUARY 31, 2022

808 2nd Avenue East
519-376-1440
Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library 

824 1st Avenue West

519-376-6623

Monday 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Tuesday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Wednesday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Thursday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Friday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Extreme Cold Events

Because City facilities are closed until further notice due to COVID-19 restrictions, Safe ‘n Sound will extend their hours to midnight when below average freezing temperatures are expected and Extreme Cold alerts are issued. Alerts are issued when the temperature or wind chill is expected to reach minus 30^oC for at least 2 hours. 

Staffing levels at warming stations may be impacted because of the increase in COVID-19 cases throughout Grey and Bruce Counties. A Media Advisory will be issued prior to extreme cold events advising of availability. 

COVID-19

Warming centres provide short-term warmth and protection, however, they can result in the congregation of people who are at higher risk, such as older adults or those with respiratory illness, and potentially contribute to the spread of COVID-19.

Users of warming centres must maintain proper physical distancing at all times and use the hand sanitizer provided.