Medical Officer of Health (MOH) for Grand Erie Public Health is issuing a Cold Notification for the Grand Erie Public Health region (Brantford-Brant and Haldimand-Norfolk), effective January 22, 2026.
A Cold Notification is issued when parts or all areas of the region are expected to reach temperatures below -15 ºC, or when wind chill values reach -20 ºC.
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 developing hypothermia is high. Some groups are particularly vulnerable to the frigid temperatures, including, older adults, infants and young children, people with chronic illnesses such as breathing difficulties or heart conditions, people taking certain prescription medication, those experiencing homelessness, people working or exercising outdoors, and people living in homes that are poorly insulated or lack sufficient heating.
To prevent cold injuries, such as hypothermia and frostbite, the Grand Erie Public Health recommends the following:
- Wear several layers of clothing and make sure the outer layer protects you from both wind and wetness.
- Cover exposed skin (using hats, mittens, or face masks) to protect against frostbite.
- Drink warm, caffeine and alcohol-free, fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Check on elderly and vulnerable people frequently, to ensure they are safe and warm.
- Visit Brantford.ca/ExtremeCold to learn the signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
Emergency Shelter
If you, or someone you know, is in immediate need of emergency shelter, please contact SOAR Community Services Emergency Shelter Intake Services at 1-888-621-0034 or email housing@soarcs.com. Intake services to the emergency sheltering system are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
In-person, walk-in services can be accessed:
- Daily 8 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (midnight) at 73 Murray Street, Brantford
- Daily 12 a.m. (midnight) to 8 a.m. at 331 Dalhousie Street, Brantford
Some contracted service providers within the Homelessness Coordinated Access system have also been able to expand capacity and provide spaces for people to warm up during the winter:
- Rosewood House 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. (42 Nelson St).
- Salvation Army Booth Centre for up to 5 men at a time during cold alerts only (187 Dalhousie St).
- SOAR Community Services (73 Murray St) can provide a temporary space for people looking to warm up based on their capacity from 8 a.m. to midnight daily.
- From November 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026, the Blessing Centre located at 7 Burnley Avenue is open from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. seven days per week. This is a location where individuals can access food and be connected to homelessness services.
Everyone is encouraged to seek shelter. Learn more at Brantford.ca/EmergencyShelters.
This notification remains in effect until cancelled by the Medical Officer of Health.
