Region announces plans for winter shelters, warming centres
As temperatures drop, health risks increase for people experiencing homelessness. Cold exposure can cause frostbite, hypothermia and trench foot, and can make existing health problems—like heart and lung disease—worse.
Photo by Nick Fewings
To help protect people without a place to stay, the Region of Durham has announced that it has a Winter Warming Plan. From December 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, there are warming locations open across Durham region. Transportation support is available through the Durham Region Outreach Team for residents who need help accessing a shelter or a warming location during this time.
In the news release announcing the seasonal plan, the region says that it “strives to support the health and safety of all residents, which includes providing warmth and shelter during the coldest months.”
This winter season, residents in North Durham are instructed that, if someone in the northern region needs temporary shelter and can’t access emergency shelters or warming spaces, Outreach Workers from Community Living Durham North's Housing and Homelessness Support Program can help co-ordinate motel assistance. They can be reached them at 905-852-5919 or by email at hhsp@cldn.ca for support.
North House, which is located in the Rexall plaza, offers transportation assistance, like bus tickets, to help residents in the north access emergency shelters focused on housing or overnight warming programs.
The region also announced that regional headquarters at 605 Rossland Road East, Whitby, will serve as a warming location. An external service provider will operate this warming centre.
The Region of Durham helps establish policies that promote affordable housing development; creates local housing and homelessness plans; contributes and co-ordinates housing funding; develops and administers housing and homelessness programs; manages social housing; and reports on progress.
For a complete list of warming locations throughout the region, visit durham.ca/WinterWarming.