For information on how to prepare for winter storms and what to do during a storm, visit our Winter Storms Information page. For current Winter Weather Alerts, visit Environment Canada.
Daytime Cold Weather Relief
City of Niagara Falls Facilities
Anyone seeking relief from the cold is welcome to keep warm at the following City facilities during operating hours listed on the websites:
- Gale Centre (5152 Thorold Stone Road)
- Niagara Falls History Museum (5810 Ferry Street)
Niagara Falls Public Library Branches
Anyone seeking relief from the cold is welcome to keep warm and stay safe at the following Niagara Falls Public Library branches during opening hours
- Victoria Avenue Branch (4848 Victoria Avenue)
- Chippawa Library Branch (3763 Main Street)
- MacBain Community Centre Branch (7150 Montrose Road)
Please visit https://my.nflibrary.ca/Locations/All for hours of operation.
Nighttime Cold Weather Relief
Overnight Shelter - Start Me Up Niagara (5925 Summer Street)
Overnight accommodations for unhoused individuals ages 18 + only began November 1st and will run until April 15th, 2023, 7 days a week, from 7:30 pm to 7:30 am. There is a 9:00 pm curfew, with doors closing at 10:00 pm.
Pre-registration is encouraged. Walk-ins will be assessed at the door.
Emergency Overnight Shelters
The YWCA of Niagara Region may have emergency shelter availability for men, women, women with children, and families.
- Please call 2-1-1- for locations and availability.
Emergency shelters for youth and women and children only may also be available at:
Please call 2-1-1 or access the 211 Community Information Database for the latest updates to emergency shelter locations. Individuals can access emergency shelter locations across the Niagara region.
Additional resources may be available through Niagara Region Social Services, Hostels and Homelessness Prevention, and Public Health. Call toll-free 1-800-263-7215.
Shower Facilities in Winter
Shower facilities are available at Gale Centre, 5152 Thorold Stone Road, Mondays and Thursdays (excluding holidays) from 7:00 am to 10:00 am
- Towels and shower supplies are provided.
- A shuttle will be provided from the overnight shelter (Start Me Up Niagara, 5925 Summer Street) to the Gale Centre on Monday & Thursday mornings.
Rides to Libraries & Shelters During Extreme Cold Events - Niagara Falls Transit
Niagara Falls Transit offers free bus rides to the warming centres listed above on days the temperatures are forecasted to reach -15°C (5°F) or colder or when wind chills are forecasted to drop to or below -20°C (-4°F).
Food Access
Breakfast Program – Third Space (4345 Queen Street, Niagara Falls)
Unhoused individuals are welcome to attend a 30-minute indoor breakfast, at the following location, for the listed times:
- Monday to Sunday:
- 7:45 am - 8:15 am
- 8:15 am - 8:45 am
- 8:45 am - 9:15 am
- *On Sundays, Third Space will be open until 10:45 am, and unhoused individuals can sit depending on capacity.
- Space is limited.
Niagara Falls Community Outreach (The Soup Kitchen):
Niagara Falls Community Outreach Soup Kitchen provides nutritious meals to anyone in need, free of charge. The Soup Kitchen is operated by Niagara Falls Community Outreach.
- Hot bagged lunches are available 7 days a week from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm.
- Located at 4865 St. Lawrence Avenue, Niagara Falls.
- Telephone: (905) 354-1640.
Niagara Region Public Health
Learn more about the health risks due to exceptionally cold temperatures from Niagara Region Public Health. Please visit Niagara Region: Housing and Homelessness for more information on local services.
The City of Niagara Falls, Start Me Up Niagara, Niagara Falls Public Library and Niagara Region have worked jointly to offer cold weather relief to the community.
