The City of Edmonton has announced it will officially lift its extreme weather response this Sunday, December 28. The measure, activated to protect vulnerable residents during a period of severe cold, will be discontinued as forecasted conditions are expected to improve.
Details of the City's Decision
According to the city's update, the decision to end the response on Sunday, Dec. 28, comes after a review of the latest Environment Canada forecasts. The extreme weather response involves coordinated efforts across multiple city departments and community agencies to provide additional shelter spaces and outreach services during periods of dangerous cold.
While Edmonton's immediate alert is set to expire, other regions across the country continue to grapple with significant winter weather. Several key highways in British Columbia remain under snowfall warnings, including the popular route to the ski resort of Whistler. Travellers are being advised to exercise caution and check road conditions.
Widespread Winter Weather Across Canada
The Boxing Day period has brought a mix of challenging conditions from coast to coast. In Ontario, residents are experiencing frigid temperatures with a significant risk of frostbite. Environment Canada has also issued a yellow freezing rain warning for parts of the region, which could create hazardous travel conditions.
Further east, a snowfall warning is in effect for areas west of Lake Winnipegosis in Manitoba. In Saskatchewan, the city of Saskatoon is under a similar snowfall warning, while a Christmas evening fire tragically destroyed a Salvation Army building in Prince Albert.
Travel and Safety Advisories in Effect
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant. The Vancouver International Airport has issued a specific warning for travellers, advising them to plan for extra traffic due to Boxing Day sales at a nearby outlet mall. This advisory highlights the intersection of severe weather and high holiday traffic volumes, which can compound travel delays.
As one weather event concludes in Edmonton, the broader national picture underscores the importance of staying informed about local alerts. Residents are encouraged to monitor official sources for the latest updates on weather warnings and municipal service changes.
