Toronto residents will be warmed and fed for free
The extreme cold has forced Toronto authorities to look for ways to help city residents survive.
Three centres have opened in the city. They are located:
- Metro Hall at 55 John St;
- Scarborough Civic Center at 150 Borough Dr;
- Mitchell Field Community Center at 89 Church Ave in North York.
The centres opened Friday and were open all weekend. The facilities have room for 45 people at Metro Hall and 17 at Scarborough. A third warming centre can accommodate 50 people needing warmth and food.
Anyone who needs safety, warmth, and food can come to the centre. All homeless people who come are referred to the city's shelter system. Volunteer and charitable organizations are calling for more such centres to be opened.
The centers have been operating for years and become active when the chief physician warns of extremely low temperatures. For example, when the temperature drops below 15 degrees, heavy precipitation and winds.
Canada has an extreme weather response plan from November 15 to April 15, developed and supported by the Toronto Department of Health.
According to plans for 2022-2023, Toronto will have 1,000 shelters with 8,000 beds. Advocates insist that the centres will be open 24/7 during the coldest periods.
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