The Town of Smiths Falls, Ontario, has opened a temporary warming centre at the local Legion hall to help residents stay safe during an Extreme Cold Warning issued by Environment Canada. The heated space provides a place for people to get out of the freezing weather as temperatures reach dangerous levels across the region.
The centre is located at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 95 at 7 Main Street East. The town began offering this service on January 23, 2026, to ensure that anyone in the community has a place to stay warm during daytime hours.
Residents can access the building on Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. On weekdays (Monday to Friday) the space is open between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., according to the town/Legion notice.
The Town of Smiths Falls is managing the emergency notice while the Legion provides the physical room and volunteer support. This effort to protect residents comes as the town is reviewing a draft 2026 municipal budget that proposes an 8.3% increase in expenses for the year.
Despite recent local government challenges, including the suspension of two council members earlier this month, the town is moving forward with these safety measures. The warming centre will remain available until further notice while the Extreme Cold Warning is in effect.
