Concerns About Kingston’s Cold
Kingston, Ont., is expected to reach around -20 C but feel more like -35 due to wind conditions. The city plans to open an overnight warming center; however, its exact location hasn’t been shared yet. Access will require referrals from community groups. The center can accommodate up to 20 people, which one advocate believes is inadequate. “I’m disgusted by the number. Frankly, the number is a disgrace,” said Pamela Gray from Threads of Hope, an organization that provides tents, sleeping bags, and winter clothing donations for those in need. Pamela Gray works with Threads of Hope in Kingston, Ont., supplying essentials such as tents and sleeping bags for individuals experiencing homelessness. (Dan Taekema/CBC) Gray pointed out that referrals mean people must know there’s somewhere safe for them to go while also being able to “behave,” which isn’t always feasible for those facing physical or mental health challenges who still need shelter from the cold. “We’re looking at keeping people warm enough so they don’t freeze to death,” she explained. “Just think about that for a minute.. and we’re not even doing that.” A city spokesperson mentioned that referrals help maximize shelter capacity; during last year’s similar cold snap, only nine individuals used the warming center each night on average.An abandoned tent sits lonely amid snowy terrain near Montreal Street in Kingston, Ont., on January 23, 2026. (Dan Taekema/CBC)This weekend officials plan to monitor how many people use these facilities and adapt Kingston’s winter response accordingly based on their findings.
The city currently offers 200 shelter beds.
However, according to October data available recently showing 574 names listed among homeless residents in Kingston suggests even higher numbers may exist based on advocates’ claims.
‘That’s How You Die’
John Decourcy has been living without stable housing for nine years now and describes this winter as one of his toughest ever experienced. “There’s nowhere to go,” he stated.John Decourcy ,51 , has spent nearly a decade living roughin K ingston. He claims this year’s weather has proven particularly challenging.( Dan Taekema / CBC )The recent strong winds caused his tent structure collapse under heavy snowfall.
“It’s been so bad I can’t take it anymore,” he expressed during an interview close by Belle Park early Friday morning. “My hands aren’t black or anything but they’re frostbitten pretty badly.”Decourcy revealed he manages brief moments warmth within building corridors or public transport buses but feels uncertain about finding shelter come nightfall; recalling past incidents brings him worry.
“I passed out from the cold,” he recounted. “I thought ‘This is really stupid.’ Like that’s how you die.”How To Stay Safe Health Canada advises people increase awareness regarding frostbite risks rising once temperatures drop below -27°C windchill effects factor into equation too!
Their suggestions include wearing layered outfits along with outerwear protecting against winds while ensuring extremities remain shielded-hands feet ears noses etc.! Keeping active helps promote blood circulation too!
Additionally wearing sunglasses sunscreen lip balm prevents skin damage during sunny days ahead like this upcoming Saturday despite biting chills outside conditions! Avoiding alcohol consumption recommended since makes body believe warmer than reality indicated !
Responses differ among communities concerning extreme weather scenarios; libraries often serve temporary refuge spots meanwhile towns such Belleville Cornwall provide dedicated nighttime facilities especially catering vulnerable populations needs!
Certain cities including Ottawa urge individuals typically sleeping outdoors relocate into emergency transitional shelters receiving mixed feedback criticisms surrounding effectiveness initiatives implemented so far…
Source link
