Cold Weather Relief

Staying healthy and safe during extreme cold

Niagara Region Homelessness Services has a plan to help keep people experiencing homelessness safe during cold winter weather. When temperatures drop, they work with community partners to provide supplies, share safety information, and make sure those who are unsheltered have access to support and warm spaces.

Learn more about Niagara Region's Cold Weather Response Plan.

Daytime cold weather relief 

Anyone seeking relief from the cold is welcome to keep warm at the following Township of West Lincoln and West Lincoln Public Library facilities during regular business hours.

These are not emergency shelters with social services. Anyone seeking overnight shelter should call 2-1-1 to be connected to the Niagara Assertive Outreach Team. Find Emergency Shelters in Niagara Region.

Township of West Lincoln facilities

West Lincoln Community Centre
177 West Street, Smithville
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

West Lincoln Public Library Branches

• Smithville Library Branch (177 West Street)

• Caistorville Library Branch (9549 York Street)

• Wellandport Library Branch (5042 Canborough Road)

Please visit the West Lincoln Public Library website for hours of operation.

Free transportation during extreme cold

Niagara Transit - Extreme Weather Relief will provide free transportation to anyone heading to the West Lincoln Community Centre or West Lincoln Public Library Branches to seek relief from the cold during extreme weather advisories.

Please note that this free service only applies during extreme weather advisories, is only for travel to these approved locations to seek relief from the cold, is subject to availability and provided you are travelling within preapproved travel rules.

To access this free service, book your trip through Niagara Region Transit booking agents:

• Call 905-685-4228 ext. 1 (1-833-678-5463)
• or use the Niagara Transit Plus App

During cold weather, everyone is at risk, but those most at risk of developing a cold-related illness include infants and children, seniors, people living in poverty or without shelter, and people who work or exercise outdoors. To protect yourself:

• Stay in a heated building
• Dress appropriately by wearing a hat and covering exposed skin
• Wear multiple clothing layers
• Keep children indoors if the temperature falls below -25 degrees Celsius
• Check on neighbours who are at risk
• Take shelter from the wind
• Drink warm fluids but avoid caffeinated or alcoholic drinks
• Limit time sitting by moving around
• Use caution when shovelling snow especially those with medical conditions
• Evaluate and review successes