Extremely cold weather can be hazardous, even fatal, to people living on the street. With the goal of minimizing risk, injury, or death due to exposure, many cities issue a Cold Weather Alert.
A Cold Weather Alert is a short-term, emergency response, which remains in effect for the duration of the extreme weather conditions. An alert is called when Environment Canada forecasts one of the following:

• a low of -15ºC without wind chill
• a wind chill advisory for outdoor activity
• extreme weather conditions, such as a blizzard or ice storm

The Cold Weather Alert prompts shelters to make extra spaces available for the night, and to relax curfews and service restrictions. Street outreach services, volunteer organizations, and other agencies that provide homeless services are also alerted. These groups notify homeless people about the extreme weather conditions, and the services available to them, and may provide emergency transportation to reach these services and shelters.

The hope is that fewer people will sleep outside during extreme conditions. But the reality is not everyone is able, or willing, to get off the streets for the night.