Cold snap putting pressure on Calgary shelters and services

Calgary's in the middle of a cold snap. Two people trying to stay warm were saved from fire and organizations are mobilizing to help the homeless.

Calgarians are experiencing the city’s first real cold snap of the season, with windchill values making it feel like -30.

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With exposure life-threatening within minutes, the cold is prompting the city to activate its extreme weather response for the first time this season.

The response includes seasonal day spaces, mobile warming stations and shuttle services operated by 20 local organizations.

It was launched in 2022 and recently received another round of one-time funding from city council in November, extending operations through 2027.

Shelters are reporting increased pressure as the cold snap settles in.

The Calgary Drop-In (DI) Centre says it continues to house an average of 50 people a month, but is also seeing roughly 150 new clients every month — many arriving for the first time.

The DI says its winter programs support up to 1,000 people per day, and the extreme cold is making access to shelter more urgent.

The organization is working toward a $2-million fundraising goal to help sustain those services through the winter season.

Roadside services are also feeling the strain.

The Alberta Motor Association reported wait times of up to four hours Friday morning for battery boosts and tows, with demand expected to rise as more drivers discover dead batteries in the cold.

Officials are urging Calgarians to plan ahead, dress for extreme conditions and check on vulnerable neighbours as the cold snap continues.

To report a non-emergency cold weather concern or request support for someone experiencing homelessness, Calgarians can call the H.E.L.P. Team dispatch at 403-998-7388.

Around 8:10 a.m., fire crews responded to flames and smoke in the 2900 block of 58 Avenue S.E..

Crews discovered the fire at the bottom of an embankment behind a local business.

They were able to cut a section of chain-link fence to access the area and knock down the fire.

They discovered two people, who were transported to hospital by EMS.

They discovered an encampment with various items including a generator, propane tanks and gas cans.

Preliminary investigation indicates the fire was caused by a heater inside a tent the two people were sleeping in.

-With files by Stephen Hunt