Canada’s Extreme Cold Strains Utilities and Airlines

Canada is currently grappling with extreme cold temperatures, impacting both utilities and airlines. On a recent Saturday, utility companies across the nation issued warnings due to frigid conditions. Residents from the Atlantic provinces to the Prairies are enduring this severe cold snap.

Severe Weather Across Canada

Parts of the Prairies are forecasting lows around -55°C when factoring in wind chill. In Ontario, temperatures in Toronto and Ottawa dropped below -30°C. Cities like Hamilton extended the hours of their warming centres to accommodate the rising demand.

Warming Centres at Capacity

• Montreal’s warming centres reported occupancy rates exceeding 90%.
• Residents are seeking shelter amid the severe conditions.

Traffic Incidents Due to Snowy Conditions

Calgary police have noted a troubling increase in traffic collisions, with over 140 incidents reported. Authorities attribute this spike to hazardous snowy conditions on the roads.

Utility Warnings in Effect

As temperatures plunge into the minus double digits, Nova Scotia Power urged residents to conserve energy. The power system is on high alert as it approaches maximum capacity.

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro officials echoed these warnings, stating that there could be insufficient electricity to meet demand. Residents may face potential rotating outages.

Air Travel Disruptions

The extreme cold has also disrupted air travel significantly. More than 20% of the over 900 flights at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport were cancelled. Another 20% were delayed, leading to frustration for passengers.

Families like that of Guilherme Holtz, who were traveling from Rio de Janeiro to Quebec City, faced significant delays. After an 11-hour flight, their connecting flight was cancelled, and they were rebooked for a later time.

Holtz remarked on the exhaustion and the long journey ahead, hoping for no further cancellations on their travel day.

Airline Advisories

Air Canada has communicated that severe cold conditions are causing delays at airports in Toronto and Montreal, allowing customers to rebook their flights at no additional cost. WestJet issued similar advisories for Halifax, Moncton, and Quebec City, as well as locations in the United States including Atlanta, Houston, and New York City.