Research investigates concrete actions cities can take during extreme weather to protect those experiencing homelessness

Candace Nykiforuk

As climate change causes more extreme weather events — record high temperatures, wildfire smoke, extreme cold — the exacerbated health risks for people experiencing homelessness can be devastating. 

Despite a recognized role for municipalities, there is a lack of literature that identifies concrete, effective actions they can take to deal with the impact of extreme weather on this vulnerable population. 

To help address this knowledge deficit, the Centre for Healthy Communities (CHC), in partnership with the City of Edmonton, undertook a policy scan of Canadian and international municipalities, accompanied by a review of peer-reviewed and practice-based literature. The resulting recommendations were presented in a report to the city in January 2025 and led to an article in Local Environment: “ Evidence-informed recommendations for municipal supports of people experiencing homelessness during extreme weather events.”

The report will be used by the city to inform a review of its policy on supporting vulnerable populations during extreme weather events. The eight recommendations include increasing long-term housing and temporary shelter accommodations, providing temporary spaces that provide refuge from extreme heat, cold or poor air quality, and increasing outreach services during extreme weather events.

Now, CHC is digging deeper into this complex challenge through a Catalyst Grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Candace Nykiforuk, the centre’s scientific director and a professor in the School of Public Health, is co-leading the project in partnership with the City of Edmonton.

This new research will undertake a detailed document analysis and follow-up interviews with municipal representatives in Vancouver, Toronto, Washington and London, U.K., to learn more about their experiences. The information will be combined to enhance the previous recommendations. The findings will be shared with other interested agencies and through a public event.

“In addition to informing work by the City of Edmonton, this project will help to address a critical knowledge gap about how municipal action can lessen the very real health dangers faced by people experiencing homelessness during extreme weather events,” says Nykiforuk, who is a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Community Environments and Public Policy for Well-Being.

“Our findings have the potential to inform action in municipalities across Canada and internationally.”

Learn more about the important research happening in the School of Public Health in the 2024-25 Research Impact Report »