1. Services for Residents
  2. Fire & Emergency
  3. Emergency Management
  4. Extreme Cold Weather Emergency Response Plan

Extreme Cold Weather Emergency Response Plan

In Saskatoon members of the Extreme Cold Emergency Response believe that ensuring all residents in Saskatoon have access to a safe location during extreme cold is the responsibility of all members. Working together we can provide a whole community approach to enhance options for those who are experiencing homelessness. 

Operating under the Municipal Emergency Plan (MEP), the Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization (EMO) coordinates an Extreme Cold Weather Emergency Response Plan for Saskatoon. This plan enables multiagency collaboration to ensure everyone has access to a safe location when Saskatoon is experiencing extreme cold or other severe weather. 

Cold weather in Saskatoon is a routine occurrence. This response is intended for use during extreme winter weather. There is still risk for those who are experiencing homelessness during the winter months. Member agencies work to provide options for those who are homeless through regular operations of outreach services, emergency shelters and access to emergency social services. Homelessness is a complex issue that requires multi-sector planning with a client-centered and trauma-informed approach. This extreme cold weather emergency response plan is one process in the overall community-wide approach required to deliver services, housing and programs.

Extreme Cold Weather Emergency Response Plan 2022/2023

Activation Levels

The extreme cold weather response is activated when:

  • air temperature or wind chill is expected to reach -30°C for two days;
  • air temperature or wind chill is expected to reach -40°C for at least two hours; or,
  • when 10cm of snow falls within 12 hours or less.

When the Extreme Cold Weather response is activated, members establish a coordinated approach to providing services and support for residents, including:

  • emergency overnight shelters
  • warm-up locations
  • outreach services such as wellness checks and connecting individuals to available resources
  • cold weather essentials such as toques, mitts, jackets, and blankets

Activation Levels Chart

Warm-up Locations

Individuals and families can warm up at various locations across Saskatoon. Please download a copy of the warm-up location poster for full details.

Warm-Up Locations Poster

Emergency Shelters

Those seeking emergency shelter in Saskatoon can contact the regional Income Assistance Office either by phone or in person:

  • Regional Income Assistance Office
    160 2nd Ave South, Saskatoon
    306-933-5960
    Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

The Salvation Army provides Emergency After Hours Support when the Ministry is closed. Anyone can call the Salvation Army for after hours services:

  • Salvation Army (After Hours Support)
    306-244-6280
    Daily from 5:00 p.m.- 8:00 a.m. plus weekends and holidays. 

Emergency shelter options explored will include any option of: staying with family and/or friends; a stay at one of the City’s emergency shelters; or, when no other resources are available, a hotel stay. Appropriate emergency shelter options are determined on a case-by-case basis.

Emergency shelter services are available 24/7 365 days per year. There is no change during a cold weather activation.

Members of the Extreme Cold Weather Strategy

  • Central Urban Metis Federation Inc. (CUMFI)
  • Chokecherry Studios
  • City of Saskatoon: Recreation and Community Development
  • CLASSIC
  • Community Support Program
  • EGADZ
  • Elizabeth Fry Society of Saskatchewan
  • Environment and Climate Change Canada 
  • FASD Network of SK
  • Medavie Health Services West - Mobile Integrated Health
  • Metis Nation Saskatchewan
  • Persons Living with AIDS Network of Saskatchewan
  • Prairie Harm Reduction 
  • Quint Development Corporation 
  • River Bend ICM
  • Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon
  • Saskatchewan Health Authority
  • Saskatchewan Health Authority - Primary Health Care
  • Saskatchewan Health Authority, Population Health
  • Saskatoon Correctional Centre
  • Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Service
  • Saskatoon EMO
  • Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre
  • Saskatoon Friendship Inn
  • Saskatoon Interval House, Inc.
  • Saskatoon Open Door Society Inc. (SODS)
  • Saskatoon Police Service
  • Saskatoon Public Library
  • Saskatoon Search and Rescue 
  • Saskatoon Trades and Skills Centre
  • Saskatoon Transit
  • Saskatoon Tribal Council Health Centre
  • SCH Emergency Department
  • St. Paul's Hospital
  • Station 20 West
  • STC - Saweyihtotan
  • STR8 UP
  • SWITCH
  • The Bridge on 20th Street
  • The Salvation Army Crossroads Residential Services