Cold Weather
Winter and its cold weather are here. The City of Ottawa and many community agencies and service providers work together to share cold weather preparedness messages and ensure options are available for people who need to come in from the cold and access services. Cold weather-related injuries and deaths are preventable. Take care and check in on family, friends and neighbours who may be at greater risk. By connecting with each other, everyone can safely experience winter in Ottawa.
Cold weather risks
Risks associated with cold weather include injuries from slips and falls, frostbite (which significantly increases when the wind chill is below -27), hypothermia (which can occur indoors or outdoors), and even death. While everyone is at risk if not dressed appropriately, some people are more quickly affected or more exposed to the cold – particularly young children, older adults (65+), people experiencing homelessness, those with certain medical conditions, and those who work or play outdoors.
Ottawa Public Health’s role in cold weather
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) shares information via its website and social media posts on how to prepare for cold weather. Cold Warning alerts are issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) when the temperature or wind chill is expected to reach -35 for at least two hours. OPH shares these alerts via social media to notify the public and community agencies that assist people at greater risk of cold weather injuries.
- Visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/ColdWeather to find information on cold weather and resources in our community, including an interactive map of Places to Warm Up in Ottawa.
- Follow OPH on social media for information on public health topics such as being prepared for cold weather.
Be winter ready!
- Download the WeatherCAN app from your device app store to see current conditions, check the forecast, and receive weather alerts.
- Get advice and support:
- Call 9-1-1 for a medical emergency such as frostbite or hypothermia.
- Call 2-1-1 to reach Community Navigation of Eastern Ontario (CNEO). CNEO provides social services assistance (e.g., accessing warm clothing, contacts for community outreach services)
- Call 3-1-1 for information and assistance on helping someone get out of the cold, including transportation to shelter.
- Call 8-1-1 Health Connect Ontario for non-emergency medical advice such as concerns about mental health and wanting to speak with a professional.
- Visit the CNEO website cneo-nceo.ca/publications-and-lists to find their list of Out of the Cold locations (Ottawa) 2025-2026. CNEO also has local social service and support information.
Did you know?
- The City of Ottawa has a Minimum Heat Requirement by-law. It requires landlords who provide heating or cover heating expenses to maintain adequate and suitable heat at all times – at least 16.67°C (62°F) at night and at least 20°C (68°F) during the day.
- The Energy Affordability Program offers free cold climate air source heat pumps to income-eligible households with electric heating. Visit ca to find out more.
