On Thursday, the Airdrie Public Library confirmed that it will stay open around the clock as a warming/shelter facility as Airdrie and the surrounding areas are experiencing an extreme cold warning. Friday night is expected to be the coldest night of the week, with temperatures hovering at -48 degrees. 

The decision comes on the heels of the City's previously announced short-term plans for vulnerable residents. Earlier this week, The City stated that various facilities would only be open for several hours, seven days a week for those in need. However, questions from residents arose about what would happen to the city's most vulnerable residents in the night, when temperatures are at their coldest. 

As part of the city's response to the extreme weather, officials underlined that transit would be operating and that. 'all residents anywhere along their transit routes remain safe and be provided transportation options to access various programs and services or other warm, safe environments.'

Residents are encouraged to check bus routes online.  

In its last City Council meeting in 2023, council discussed the next steps forward in responding to homelessness in Airdrie. 

As part of its response, the city has commissioned a homelessness study in the city to have a more comprehensive understanding of, 'the vulnerable and unsheltered population in the community and options for moving forward.'

However, in its more immediate response, the city added that last month they had met with 15 community stakeholders that represent 10 community social serving organizations to discuss and develop policies around extreme cold weather events.

"Additionally, the administration is meeting with representatives from key city departments to discuss the short-term action. While the short-term action just described steps towards helping to protect the health and safety of unsheltered individuals, it does not solve the issue of homelessness in Airdrie," city officials previously stated.

Currently, Airdrie does not have a 24-hour emergency shelter or other social housing programs, such as the ones that provide services to the unhoused and vulnerable populations in Calgary. 

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