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Extreme cold weather and warnings

March 4, 2024 - Extreme Cold Weather Update 

The Airdrie Public Library will be open as an overnight warming space on Monday, March 4, from 8:30 p.m. to 9 a.m on Tuesday, March 5.

Temperatures are expected to moderate on Tuesday, and the Library will return to its normal operating hours, remaining opening from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

In Alberta, an extreme cold warning is issued by Environment Canada when temperatures or the wind chill index reach -40°C or colder. Being exposed even for short periods in these conditions can be dangerous.

Protect yourself and your loved ones from the elements:

  • Stay indoors when possible. If venturing outside dress in warm, windproof layers. Watch for signs of frostbite, which can occur in less than 10 minutes in extreme cold.
  • If you have to travel by vehicle, know your route ahead of time, bring outdoor winter clothing and boots, and have a full tank of gas plus a well-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle.
  • Take precautions when working outside; do not over-exert yourself. Sweating can lead to hypothermia; which can be fatal.
  • Make sure your pets have warm shelter, food and accessible water during a cold snap.
  • Winterize your home to avoid furnace outages or frozen pipes.
  • Ensure you have carbon monoxide alarms installed in every room of your home and ensure outdoor vents remain clear of snow and ice build-up. View the carbon monoxide safety guide (PDF).
  • Find a shelter if in need.
  • See more information on how to prepapre for extreme cold weather by Government of Alberta.

View the list of Community Resources

Social support services for extreme cold weather

Extreme cold weather puts unsheltered residents at a greater risk. Unsheltered residents of Airdrie are encouraged to utilize these supports and resources.

Warming spaces
These community spaces will be open to welcome anyone in the community needing a warm and safe place during their regular business hours in extreme cold weather conditions.

  • Airdrie Public Library: The library is open seven days a week. Hours of operations:
    Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
    Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
    Sunday: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
    Please visit airdriepubliclibrary.ca/Contact-Us for the most updated information on hours of operations and location.
  • Genesis Place: Genesis Place is open seven days a week. Hours of operations:
    Monday to Friday: 5:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
    Weekends: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
    Please visit genesisplace.ca for the most updated  information on hours of operations and location.

Airdrie Transit
The City of Airdrie Transit will ensure that during this extreme cold weather event, all residents anywhere along their transit routes remain safe and be provided transportation options to access various programs and services or other warm, safe environments. To check bus routes, please visit airdrietransit.ca.

What can Airdrie residents do to help?

  • For emergencies, call 911.
  • For all other non-emergency matters, contact Municipal Enforcement at 403.948.8888 or the RCMP non-emergency complaint line at 403.945.RCMP (7267).
Whether you are looking for community supports to help another person in need or could use support yourself, the following list* of organizations offer supports for Airdrie residents.
OrganizationServicesContact Hours
North Rocky View Community Links Society Connect residents with supports/ services. Offer basic needs program that provides safety items such as clothing, heaters, sleeping bags, etc. 211-125 Main St NW Airdrie
Ph: 403.945.3900
Email: brenda@nrvcl.ab.ca
Website: mycommunitylinks.ca
Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Closed during lunch.
Thursdays open to 8 p.m.

*After-hours contact: Distress Centre 24-hour crisis line (text or phone): 403-266-4357

Airdrie Public Library Access to any of their programs (free or cost of materials)
• Community brochures
• Emergency food bags
• Free memberships
• Wi-Fi and computers
• Phone access
• Printing, faxing, and scanning (for a fee)
111 - 304 Main Street SE Airdrie

Ph: 403.948.0600
Email: info@airdriepubliclibrary.ca
Website: airdriepubliclibrary.ca

Monday - Friday: 9 a.m - 8:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
*Holiday hours may apply.
Airdrie Food Bank Walk-in food support program. Food hampers by appointment. 20 East Lake Way, NE Airdrie

Ph. 403.948.0063
Email: info@airdriefoodbank.com
Website: airdriefoodbank.com

Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m - 4 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
AHS Rural Addictions and Mental Health   104, 217 Centre Ave SW Airdrie
Ph: 403.912.8555
Website:
airdriefoodbank.com
albertareferraldirectory.ca

Access Mental Health at 403.943.1500.

Individual and Group treatment for mental health and addictions concerns that can be self-referred.

Single session / crisis counselling can be accessed at Airdrie Urgent Care by attending Airdrie Urgent Care triage and requesting mental health supports.

Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. for bookable services at the clinics.
Urgent Care: Monday - Friday: 2-9 p.m.; and Saturday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Alberta Supports Apply for income support online for basic needs
Emergency benefits may be available for and Damage Deposit, Eviction or Utility Arrears. Supports available for individuals fleeing domestic violence.
104 – 1 Ave. NW Airdrie

Ph: 403.297.1907
Email: css.ds-calgary@gov.ab.ca
Website: myalbertasupports.alberta.ca

Monday - Friday: 8:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Closed for lunch.
Income Support Contact Centre Available 24/7   1.877.644.9992  
Airdrie & District Victim Services Assistance Society (ADVAS) Emergency response in partnership with RCMP.
Evacuation Coordination for city and community residents.

Partnership with other agencies to coordinate and facilitate support.

2 Highland Park Way NE Airdrie
Ph. 403.945.7290
Email: deborah.reid@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: advas.ca
Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:40 p.m.
24/365 Crisis/Emergency Call-Out access through RCMP.
Airdrie Meals on Wheels Nutritious and affordable meals  are available for those who do not have the means to travel to buy groceries or food.

 

Ph: 403.815.1400
Email:
Client-liaison@airdriemealsonwheels.ca
Website:airdriemealsonwheels.ca

Phone will be answered Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Living Springs Church Airdrie Food pantry, limited gift cards for groceries and gas, and can sometimes help with rent and bills. 2304 Yankee Valley Blvd, Airdrie
Ph. 403.948.7724
Email: Blake@livingspringsairdrie.com
Website: livingspringsairdrie.com
Wednesday - Sunday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

*This list is updated on a monthly basis. The City of Airdrie is not associated with the organizations listed. We strongly advise you to verify this information by visiting each organization's website for the most recent contact details, operational hours and service descriptions.