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Hamilton opens emergency warming centre as extreme cold sets in, other spaces already full
As Hamilton braces for extreme cold this weekend, drop-in spaces and emergency shelters are expecting a surge in demand from people with nowhere else to go. Both of the warming spaces run by St. Matthew’s House were full on Friday “as expected,” said executive director Renée Wetselaar. City opening Bennetto Community Centre on SaturdayThe city said Friday there will also be five more beds at Mary's Place, an emergency shelter for women and 20 more spaces at the Good Shepherd's Cathedral emergency shelter for men. On Saturday, after cold temperatures had set in, the city said it was also activating an emergency warming centre that would operate around the clock at Bennetto Community Centre. Central Library to close on SundaysIn the winter months, the city offers its recreation centres and public libraries as warming spaces during business hours.
Source: CBC News January 24, 2026 21:03 UTC
