The St. Albert Seniors' Association says they're downtown facility won't be open on Friday as one of the building's furnaces has stopped working.
“Not only has the weather impacted our seniors, but it has impacted our building,” the Association's facility booking co-ordinator, Jenna Sparrow, said in an email. “The fans over the stove have frozen and one of the furnaces on the roof is dead.”
“These cannot be fixed due to the risk to workers in these temperatures. We support our HVAC company in not sending their workers into unsafe conditions.”
Sparrow said repairs are expected to occur once next week once the weather improves.
“It is not safe for older persons, children, or anyone with a chronic health issue to be out in this cold.”
Environment Canada issued a province-wide extreme cold warning on Wednesday as daytime highs aren't expected to be warmer than -28 C until Jan. 15, with overnight temperatures factoring for windchill could reach -50 C over the next few days.
The extreme cold warning explains that temperatures are expected to warm up slightly starting next week, although “certainty is low and below normal temperatures are likely to continue.”
“Risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter,” the alert reads.
“Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill.”
The City of St. Albert activated its extreme weather response on Wednesday, which allows those outside to take public transit to the nearest city facility for free.
Residents needing to get out of the cold are encouraged to head to the closest city facility, such as Servus Place, St. Albert Place, Beaudry Place, the Jensen Lakes Library, and the Nakî Transit Centre.
“Members of our community, including those who are vulnerably unhoused, are most at risk. Keep your eyes open for people who may be struggling with the frigid temperatures,” the city states online.
