The Windsor Park Nordic Centre in Winnipeg has temporarily shut its cross-country ski trails until Monday amid frigid temperatures gripping Manitoba. The closure comes as an Arctic air mass brings wind chills as low as -45 C, making outdoor activities unsafe. Officials cite safety and low expected attendance as key reasons for the decision.
The Windsor Park Nordic Centre, a hub for cross-country skiing in Winnipeg, announced on Thursday that its trails would remain closed through the weekend due to extreme cold weather. Laurie Penton, the centre's manager, stated that the non-profit organization rarely shuts down for such reasons, recalling only one prior instance. "We don't expect people to be skiing this weekend, because of the extreme cold," Penton said. "It just didn't make sense to spend the money to have staff here when, virtually, we expect zero customers."
Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued weather warnings for most of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and parts of Ontario, forecasting wind chill values of -40 to -45 C in southern Manitoba as a cold and windy air mass moves in. Penton emphasized the role of wind, noting, "The wind is a huge factor. There's no doubt it's extreme even for Winnipeg and for Manitobans."
The cold snap is affecting more than just recreation. Winnipeg's first responders face significant challenges, with the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service requiring crew rotations to combat frostbite and hypothermia risks. Deputy chief Scott Wilkinson explained that equipment freezes, complicating fire responses: "We spray a lot of water, we make a lot of ice."
Drivers are also urged to prepare, as CAA Manitoba reports potential increases in battery failures. Spokesperson Nadia Matos recommended keeping fuel tanks above half full and carrying emergency kits with blankets, flares, and tools for warmth.
Broader impacts include school closures in rural Manitoba and heightened support for unhoused individuals, with shelters like Siloam Mission opening warming centres. The cold is expected to ease by Sunday, according to meteorologists.
