Warming centres, overnight accommodations available

The Salvation Army Niagara Orchard Community Church in Niagara Falls is offering temporary overnight shelter to people in need due to the extreme cold weather.

The Dorchester Road facility will be open today and Saturday 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

The City of Niagara Falls has made a number of facilities available to the public as warming centres.

Locations are: Gale Centre, open daily from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.; MacBain Community Centre, open daily 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; city hall, open Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Coronation 50 Plus Recreation Centre, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and all branches of Niagara Falls Public Library

City officials encourage residents to check in on family, friends and neighbours, especially those who may be vulnerable to cold weather related illnesses.

For more information on available services, visit niagarafalls.ca or www.niagararegion.ca.

The Town of Fort Erie is also opening its doors to residents who need to get out of the cold.

Both local arenas and all three public library branches are open during regular business hours as warming centres. In the case of an emergency, these facilities will remain open 24 hours a day and the municipality will work closely with the Salvation Army to co-ordinate further action, said Janine Tessmer, the town’s communications adviser.

Overnight accommodation is also available through Out of the Cold at various churches in St. Catharines. Emergency shelter may also be available at the YWCA, Women’s Place of South Niagara or Nightlight Youth Services.