The Region of Waterloo and the City of Cambridge are urging residents in Cambridge to finalize 72-hour emergency kits today, January 28, 2026, as more winter storms approach. Public health officials and utility workers warn that freezing rain and heavy snow could cause power cuts and make travel difficult over the next few days.
An emergency kit should contain enough supplies for your household to be self-sufficient for three days. Important items include four litres of water per person per day, non-perishable food and a manual can opener, flashlights with extra batteries, and a hand-crank or battery-powered radio to receive Environment Canada weather updates. The Region also recommends a seven-day supply of essential medications, fully charged portable power banks for phones, and some cash in small bills in case ATMs are unavailable during an outage.
GrandBridge Energy says its crews are on high alert as ice buildup on power lines can cause outages. Utility crews will work around the clock to restore service when equipment is damaged, but the company notes that ice storms make travel and repairs slow and hazardous. GrandBridge Energy has reported localized outages in the Preston and Hespeler areas earlier this week.
If you lose power or heat, several daytime locations are available for people to warm up. Daytime Warming Spaces include Cambridge City Hall (50 Dickson St.), the Region of Waterloo building (150 Main St.) and all Idea Exchange branches in Galt, Preston and Hespeler; note that Idea Exchange branches are available during their regular business hours.
For overnight shelter during extreme cold, Porchlight Counselling & Addiction Services operates an overnight warming space in the lower level of Wesley United Church at 6 Cambridge St. The site is open overnight (typically 8:30 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.) and is run by Porchlight in partnership with the Region of Waterloo.
