Frostbite and hypothermia are common cold injuries according to Dr. Michael Bayda. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

Special Meeting

Tri-community leaders, Scattered Site meeting tonight about ongoing homelessness issue

Jan 25, 2021 | 5:01 PM

The lead physician in La Ronge wants tri-community leaders to find a long-term solution to the ongoing homelessness in the area.

That’s the topic of a regional leadership meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight with Scattered Site Outreach Program staff. It comes after a second temporary emergency shelter opened Sunday at the Lac La Ronge Indian Band’s Kitaski Hall after Drifters Motel filled up and no other space could be found.

On the Sunday night, the temperature reached -40 C with the wind making it feel like -45 C. Local leaders had previously been informed up to 15 people were living in a teepee downtown.

“I think it’s excellent they are having the discussion about it,” Dr. Michael Bayda said about the situation and the need for a permanent shelter. “I think there is a really big need for it in the community. Hopefully it’s something we can move forward, and I think it’s a great opportunity to offer support to people who need it, especially at this time of year in winter.”

Bayda explained it is concerning when someone doesn’t have stable housing and doesn’t have a warm place to stay when the temperature gets so cold. He said nights are long and dark and it puts a lot of stress on those who are homeless. He said its unsafe for anyone to sleep outside at -40 C unless they are well-prepared for it and even then it should be done with caution.

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When exposed to cold temperatures, Bayda mentioned the most immediate concerns are frostbite to fingers and toes, as well as hypothermia. He said people have been at the hospital for various cold injuries due to accidental exposure from snowmobiling, a car breaking down or a longer outdoor adventure than anticipated.

Other times the patient could be in a worse state after falling or being exposed to the cold for a long period of time.

“Those things are unpredictable, so it really does vary,” Bayda said. “It’s definitely something we see every winter.”

According to the federal government, Canada has one of the most severe winter climates of any country in the world. Data shows homeless people are among the most at risk for frostbite and hypothermia.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno