Residents of Norway House, Manitoba, are facing dangerous winter conditions as Environment Canada’s Manitoba Weather Centre has issued an orange “Warning – Cold” (extreme cold) for the community, with wind chill values expected to drop as low as −50°C.
Local officials are urging residents to stay indoors; at −50°C, public-safety guidance warns exposed skin can freeze in less than five minutes. The Kinosew Sipi Nanatawiwekamik Health Centre of Excellence is available to handle medical emergencies and cold-related injuries. The new facility, which celebrated its grand opening on August 6, 2024, provides vital care for the community when extreme weather makes travelling south to Winnipeg difficult.
The freezing conditions are also expected to impact local education services. The Frontier School Division monitors wind chill levels closely and may cancel buses or close schools if conditions become hazardous for students. Families should check for updates regarding the Helen Betty Osborne Ininew Education Resource Centre throughout the cold snap.
Community members are encouraged to check on elders and neighbours to ensure everyone has enough heat and supplies. Those who must travel on Provincial Road 373 should carry emergency kits, as mechanical failures and vehicle breakdowns in extreme cold can be life‑threatening. Local emergency protocols, including the community Emergency Response Team, are in effect as the Arctic high‑pressure system remains over the area.
