How does it all work?
The Extreme Weather Protocol (EWP) is a community program involving faith groups, social service agencies, fire and police working together to increase shelter spaces during acute winter weather — heavy wind, snow and snow accumulation, rain, and temperatures of −1°C or below.
Under the program, during extreme weather conditions shelter capacity expands from about 395 to 472 emergency shelter beds and mats.
When extreme weather is predicted and year-round shelter beds are full, participating organizations implement the Extreme Weather Response Plan by opening additional shelters and moving to overflow beds.