As temperatures drop, the danger level for cold exposure rises. It is important to stay warm and here are some tips for how you can stay safe and what the City of Penticton is doing to help this winter.
Dress for the weather
Wear proper clothing and shoes such as:
- Layers of clothing including wind and waterproof outer layers
- A hat and face mask, and mittens rather than gloves
- Wool socks and waterproof boots that fit well
Be aware of cold-related illness and injuries
- Frostbite is freezing of the skin and tissues below the skin
- Hypothermia occurs when the body gets cold and loses heat faster than the body can make it
For Medical Attention
- Phone 9-1-1 for emergencies
- Phone 8-1-1 for health-related illnesses and advice
- Phone 2-1-1 to connect with other services
See more winter health tips from HealthLinkBC
Health & Safety
It is very important that we look out for each other during cold spells. Of special concern are our seniors and our citizens who are not able to escape the cold.
Please introduce a ‘buddy system’ and check on your family, friends, neighbours, seniors, fellow citizens and their pets to ensure they are not in any danger from this extreme cold.
The City of Penticton Social Development Department will work with the social sector and across city departments to implement an Extreme Winter Weather Response when weather conditions are likely to contribute to a substantial threat to the life or health of those sheltering outdoors. This work fits within an overarching Extreme Weather Response Plan for the City of Penticton.
The purpose of activation guidelines are to give the community and social sector operators criteria to provide responsive services and to equip planning. A response will be activated when the weather conditions noted in the table below are forecasted for a continuous period: a minimum of 48 hours and can be expected 96 hours in advance and when there are resources available.
Response Activation Guidelines:
Level Temperature Wind Chill Snow Rain Wind Level 1 0C to -9C Feels like 0C Any accumulation Difficult to keep dry n/a Level 2 -10C to -19C Feels like -10C Significant accumulation Difficult to keep dry Wind warning Level 3 -20C and colder Feels like -20C Significant accumulation Unable to keep dry Severe wind warning Level 1
The Level 1 response includes a bolstering of typically offered services (e.g. additional items being handed out through bylaw officers and/or outreach services). Resourcing teams at Level 1 are a community effort with donations/supplies being received from public donations, as well as key government partners.
Current cross-sector efforts for 2025/26 include:
- Direct service providers — including City of Penticton Bylaw services and not for profit outreach teams are conducting wellness checks, distributing items such as gloves and toques, and referring to shelter where possible.
- BC Housing (BCH) is confirming the provision of winter supplies for partners serving individuals sheltering outside. 100 More Homes (100MH) partners have also fundraised supplies that will be deployed throughout the season by outreach staff. (Maybe the POPs line goes here?)
- Social Development and 100MH will convene regular sector meetings throughout the winter season to ensure outreach coordination.
- IH is providing education for frontline teams, including Bylaw, to help identify cold weather conditions like hypothermia and frostbite.
- The PDSCL shelter – Compass Court – continue to keep 10 encampment beds open. These are considered winter surge beds in addition to their regular shelter capacity. The Temporary Winter Shelter also continues to operate with 40 beds.
- All efforts once confirmed will be communicated to the public through the City of Penticton website and cross-promoted by 100MH.
Level 2 & 3 Response - For Individuals Sheltering Outdoors
In preparation for weather conditions that meet Level 2 or 3 criteria, City of Penticton facilities may be asked to extend operating hours, which can also be utilized by those sheltering outdoors. The City of Penticton continues to refine its emergency weather response for those sheltering outside and is working with local not for profit and provincial partners to offer additional services when possible.
Donations for those in need
The Penticton Overdose Prevention Society is also looking for donations of blankets and other goods.
During the cold weather period, the City of Penticton has specific policies in place to ensure safety.
Emergency Management BC has a checklist on how to be prepared for storms and, potentially, power outages.
Places to Warm Up
The South Okanagan Events Centre (SOEC) walking track is now available to provide a safe place for residents and visitors to get out of the cold for a time and warm-up.
All civic facilities such as City Hall, the Public Library and the Penticton Seniors’ Drop-in Centre are good options for people needing temporary relief from the cold during normal business hours .
- South Okanagan Events Centre Walking Track (835 Eckhart Avenue) is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The SOEC Walking Track is closed on event days and Holidays. For more information, visit https://www.soec.ca/arena-information/walking-track/.
- Penticton Community Centre (325 Power Street) will be open Monday to Friday between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Penticton Public Library (785 Main Street) will be open 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Tues and Thurs) and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
- Penticton Seniors’ Drop-in Centre (2965 Main Street) will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday
- City Hall (171 Main Street): Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday
On the Road
During times of snow and ice, our Public Works crew strives to clear the roads, bus stops, select sidewalks and parking lots in a timely manner. Our crew clear roads on a priority basis, beginning with main arterials, steep hills, school zones and bus routes. This is followed by residential roads and cul-de-sacs, which we aim to clear to a safe and passable condition within 48 hours of the snow event.
Despite the efforts of a highly skilled snow removal crew, conditions can deteriorate and roads can become treacherous.
The complete details on the City's policies and priorities can be found here
Check current highway conditions before heading out
Ice, sleet, missing lines and drifting snow all present challenges. DriveBC has tips on dealing with the various conditions.
And Shift into Winter details on how to make sure your vehicle and, particularly, your tires are ready for the season.