Extreme cold weather to stay for several days: Environment Canada
As extreme cold weather brings wind chill values nearing -40°C, it's impacting everything from winter recreation to the city's most vulnerable population.
Saturday marked the opening day for A Maze in Corn's 25th annual snow maze.
Angie Masse, the maze's co-owner, said above seasonal weather made it a challenge to construct the maze this year, the opposite problem for the maze's 2023 launch.
"It's opening weekend, and it just happened that the coldest weather of the season hit this weekend, so you definitely have to dress for it," she said.
With daytime temperatures around -27°C, the maze was forced to shorten its hours this weekend to 12-6.
Masse said the cold did make opening day quieter, but there were still plenty of people who braved the weather.
"There have been lots of people coming up all bundled up and exploring everywhere, so it is nice to see," said Masse.
"Hand warmers, lots of layers, positive attitudes," exclaimed one group when asked how they were staying warm in the maze.
Environment Canada and Climate Change Canada said the cold weather is due to a polar vortex centred near Baffin Island.
"That cold air has come down from the north in over the last 24-36 hours and going to sit over us for the next few days," said Eric Dykes, a meteorologist with ECCC.
"Slight, slight, slight moderation of temperatures perhaps by mid-week," added Dykes. "Normal highs for this time of year, for example, are -11°C and normal lows around -22°C and our daytime high are going to struggle to get to what should be overnight lows for us for this time of year."
Dykes warned frostbite can happen in minutes -- a major concern for the city's unsheltered population.
"Some of the people who are most vulnerable in the city right now don't have the resources or even the proper clothing to be out in weather like this," said Kevin Walker, the interim director of the Bear Clan.
To help those stuck in the cold, the Bear Clan's mobile unit was out patrolling on Saturday to give hot food and clothing.
"We've got mini ravioli we've made up. We have some sandwiches, and we always carry like water and warm blankets and mitts and toques and things like that," said Walker.
The Bear Clan said it is currently in need of winter wear and hand warmers. It said donations can be dropped off at its two locations during open hours.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as sound of explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning after reports of explosions near the city of Isfahan, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.